Estate Planning

We’ve talked about the importance of having a will and protecting your assets in a trust. When speaking of estate planning and of the people named to ensure our wishes are carried out there are many terms we use. Some people use the terms interchangeably. But...

Most of us plan to make a will, at some point. Some of us even think that it might be a good ideas to put the house or cabin in a trust. If we have kids under 18 we may have even, before a trip, thought about who should act as guardians if the unthinkable were to...

Over the course of your life, you work hard to establish a career for yourself and your loved ones. Your estate is more than the value of your assets. It is a legacy to pass on to your loved ones. While coming up with an estate plan may represent one item on your...

We're often told to expect the unexpected. However, it can be hard to think about, let alone plan for, what will happen if we become incapacitated due to illness or injury. Today, we cover an essential estate planning document: the advanced health care directive. What...

Who do you trust to make decisions for you? Whether you operate a successful professional practice, hold lucrative real estate properties, or wish to preserve your legacy of charitable giving, entrusting someone else to manage your affairs is not a decision to be...

Estates in California with a market value of more than $150,000 must go through the full probate process in the absence of a will or trust. Considering the value of most real property in the state, most Californians who own a home face the possibility of having their...

For the most part, will contests happen less often than the movies would have us believe. However, there are some circumstances where a will contest is appropriate. Perhaps a family member suspects someone took advantage of their loved one, or a creditor makes a claim...

After dedicating all the time and resources necessary to build your business, it is hard to imagine it all suddenly going away. However, unlike corporations, small businesses are at a high risk of failing if a partner or owner dies without a business succession plan....

Many people think estate planning is more important for the ultra-wealthy. But anyone with assets, whether they be a business, real estate, or valuable collectibles, should create a plan that outlines their wishes. This is especially true for dentists, many of whom...

Creating an estate plan requires decisions about the future that will become legally binding. A mistake can leave your family without the guidance they need to follow your wishes. Today, we address some of the most common mistakes someone can make when it comes to...