Blended families with children from more than one marriage or relationship are increasingly common. But the law is slow to catch up, especially when it comes to estate planning, and determining what happens to what you leave behind. This article answers key questions about estate planning for blended families in California, including: How to protect the inheritance of your biological children with an estate plan. What you can (and cannot) require your current spouse to pass on to your biological children. How to prevent legal battles between children and members of the extended blended family. How Can I…Read More
For many California couples, marriage has become a burden, a luxury, or a distant possibility. With more people waiting longer to marry (or choosing not to marry at all) it’s important to consider how your relationship status could affect your legal and financial rights, especially in the event of a tragedy. This article provides a detailed guide on: The consequences of not being married as a couple in various situations. What happens to an unmarried partner when the other passes away without an estate plan in place. The estate planning tools can help make up for being unmarried.…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The most common types of estate planning disputes a family may encounter. Helpful ways to divide assets so as to avoid conflict and resentment. How an experienced attorney can help your family avoid hurtful disputes. What Are The Most Common Causes Of Family Disputes Over Estate Planning? The first type of dispute is linked to surprises. Often, an adult child expects to receive a specific item, as a parent had always told them, for example, “The boat is yours once I pass away.” However, when the estate plans fail to meet those…Read More
For many people, pets are more than companions; they’re family. Yet, unlike other loved ones, pets cannot advocate for themselves if something happens to you. That’s where pet estate planning in California comes in. By creating a thoughtful plan, you can make sure your pet receives the care, resources, and attention they need, no matter what the future holds. In this article, we discuss… How pet planning works, and how to factor your pets into your estate plans. How much money to set aside for the care of your pet. Important considerations for protecting your pet’s well-being. Can…Read More
A complete estate plan includes advance directives. These are documents that put you in control of your health care, even if you are unable to speak for yourself. They let you choose who should make medical decisions for you and the types of treatments you do and don’t want. Protect You & Your Family Your advance directives are a gift to your family. Your loved ones may have to make difficult decision on your behalf. These decisions can be stressful and lead to arguments. Your advance directives provide clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones during…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Warning signs of power of attorney scams to be aware of. How an attorney can guide you if you believe a loved one is being taken advantage of. How to revoke power of attorney if you suspect your loved one is being scammed. What Are Some Common Power Of Attorney Scams In California? Power of attorney scams in California tend to fall into three categories. The first type of scam involves someone you don’t know showing up and inventing a reason why you need to sign off on a document that gives…Read More
From budgeting apps to online legal forms, DIY tools are everywhere. But when it comes to estate planning, trying to handle everything yourself can come at a high cost. Even simple mistakes can lead to legal battles, tax issues, or unintended consequences for your loved ones. This article explores the real risks of going it alone and explains: How attorneys identify hidden problems and offer better-tailored options than online services. Why only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice, including the pros and cons of your choices. What really happens when a DIY estate plan goes wrong –…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How power of attorney differs from conservatorship. The impact of a conservator on your legal rights and freedom. Whether it is possible for you to contest conservatorship in California. What Is The Difference Between A Power Of Attorney And A Conservatorship? If estate planning has been done ahead of time, you most likely will have assigned an agent under power of attorney, a medical agent, and a trustee for your trust (if you have one). Alternatively, there are two types of conservatorships you could end up with: conservatorship of the estate and…Read More
Medical Emergencies And Unforeseen Events When planning for medical emergencies or unforeseen events in a trust, flexibility is key. You can’t predict future costs or know exactly what your estate will be worth when the time comes, so setting aside a fixed percentage or dollar amount isn’t always the best approach. Instead, it’s better to give the trustee discretion while also providing clear guidance on your intent. A well-drafted trust should make it clear that funds can be used for medical emergencies or other critical needs as they arise. At the same time, it should include instructions that…Read More
From home improvements to gardening, DIY is taking the world by storm, powered by catchy online videos and difficult economic times. That said, one area you might want to think twice before trying to do everything yourself is estate planning. This article will help explain why, including information about: The risks of using DIY estate planning tools like online templates. Estate planning mistakes you might make and their consequences. The value an estate planning attorney brings to the process in California. Are DIY Estate Planning Services Legally Valid In California? First things first, DIY estate planning services and…Read More
