California is the perfect place for senior citizens to relax after retirement. Unfortunately, the diminished mental capacity of some elderly individuals is often preyed on by people with bad intentions. However, it's possible to prevent elder financial abuse. Set up a...
Gostanian Law Group Legal Blog
What can make a trust vulnerable to litigation?
California is one of the most litigious states in the nation, and the United States is the most litigious country in the world. It is not surprising, then, that many California residents place their assets into trusts to protect them from lawsuits, but this strategy...
Signs and types of elder abuse
According to California law, elder abuse refers to any action that causes or has the potential to cause harm to an elderly person. Per the CDC, an elderly person is an adult over 60. There are several types of elder abuse and some warning signs that an older person in...
3 types of trustee negligence
Negligence or incompetence in trust management is one example of a breach of fiduciary duty when managing a trust in California. In order to be found guilty, someone must have been injured by the trustee’s negligence. While the trustee may face criminal charges if...
How you can avoid ancillary probate in in California
If you own property in states besides California, you should address this issue during estate planning. If you do not, the executor of your estate must go through the ancillary probate process to settle your assets. Consider the following steps to ease things for your...
What is financial elder abuse, and what are the signs of it?
Many California residents hold elders in the highest respect. Sadly, older adults sometimes fall victim to different forms of abuse because of their vulnerability. Financial elder abuse is one of them. Understanding financial elder abuse Financial elder abuse is a...
Common mistakes in California estate planning
Estate planning can be an intimidating process for many California residents. From the outside looking in, it can seem exceptionally complicated and very emotional. A good estate plan is worth the time and energy spent though. As you’re starting the estate planning...
The pros and cons of being a personal representative
When California residents pass away, their estates usually go through a process called probate. During probate, the will is validated, the estate’s debts are settled and its assets are distributed according to the will’s provisions. The decedent’s personal...
Situations where executors can be sued
When a California resident passes away, the person they appoint to be the executor of their estate is tasked with completing several important tasks. Executors are responsible for submitting the decedent’s last will and testament to the probate court, settling the...
Prevent elder financial abuse before it happens
Elder financial abuse is a growing concern in the United States, with millions of older Americans falling victim to scams, fraud and exploitation each year. While elder financial abuse in California can take many forms, it is a serious problem that can leave victims...