For many people, the term “estate planning” is synonymous with wills or possibly trusts. People think about documents that they draft with an attorney as the main components of an estate plan. While that is generally true, a comprehensive estate plan generally...
Estate Planning
3 ways to address a business in an estate plan
People with valuable property often need to create an estate plan addressing their assets. They want to prevent their loved ones from fighting over their property and to establish a meaningful legacy after their passing. After years of hard work establishing a...
A checklist for those planning their estates
Estate planning can be a very complicated, difficult process. Generally speaking, the best estate plans are customized based on the values, family circumstances and financial resources of the testator. There is no estate plan strategy that works universally for every...
Property tax law impacts on inherited homes in California
Here in California, real estate is often the single most valuable asset detailed in individual estate plans. Whether you have one residence or perhaps a vacation home as well, it’s important to determine what you want to happen to your property after you’re gone. If...
The risk of using a deed as part of an estate plan
Estate planning is a way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones. The process often focuses on choosing beneficiaries to inherit specific assets. For many California residents, the home where they live may be the most valuable property they own, which...
Why business owners may need to draft powers of attorney
Estate planning is beneficial for people in all kinds of careers and family situations. Some testators establishing estate plans need more robust plans than others. A business owner has high-value assets to address. They also need to consider the continuation of...
Have you chosen a successor for your business?
For many providers, their dental practice is more than just a job; it's a culmination of years of training, dedication and the establishment of a trusted relationship with their patients. But as all things do, medical practices eventually face transitions. This...
Why California’s “next-of-kin” law may not protect your wishes
You may have heard that last year, California enacted a “next-of-kin” law that’s like those already in place in numerous states. It requires hospitals and other medical facilities to designate a health care surrogate for a seriously ill or injured patient who can’t...
What steps can I take to protect my estate?
Protecting your estate involves a comprehensive approach to better ensure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes, medical decisions are made in accordance with your preferences and your finances are handled efficiently. The only way to...
What is a power of attorney in estate planning?
Estate planning is critical for all adults, but you may not realize that this goes far beyond just saying who gets what assets when you die. A major component of estate planning is giving a trusted individual the legal ability to make decisions for you if there comes...