The traditional motivation behind creating an estate plan is to make the process of distributing property after death as easy as possible. People want to know that their estate and legacy is in good hands and that their loved ones will be protected. However, just as...
Will and Trust Contests
Is your will invalid?
Taking the time to create a last will and testament is critical for every California adult. This document conveys your wishes and provides guidance for property distribution in the event of your death. However, your will could wind up being at the center of a legal...
Is a will enough?
One of the most prevalent misconceptions people have about estate planning is that a will is all a person needs to protect their wishes and their loved ones. However, while having a will is critical to preserving what you value most, parties might also want to...
What happens if an estate plan is lost or hidden?
Going through the steps of creating an estate plan can be complicated, but once you have your documents in place, you and your loved ones can breathe a sigh of relief. Planning documents preserve your wishes and give critical guidance to family in difficult times....
Planning your legacy around complicated people
Your estate plan should reflect your wishes. However, you must consider how to tailor your plans to fit the needs and capabilities of the people in your life. For instance, even the best-laid plans can be thwarted if complicated relationships or individuals are...
Don’t let creativity in your estate plan create problems
Your estate plan is a valuable tool that should align with your beliefs and reflect your wishes. And as such, a person should be able to design their plan accordingly. However, utilizing creative solutions and taking non-traditional approaches to these matters could...
5 signs probate could be painful after a parent passes away
Losing a parent can be upsetting for children of any age. Even if you only saw your parent on major holidays or had a complicated relationship, a parental loss can take a profound toll in many ways. This toll can be especially notable when it comes to probate and the...
What you leave behind when you don’t leave a will
People often think about estate planning in the context of how it can benefit themselves. However, you are not the only person affected by a plan. It can also help beneficiaries, care providers, charitable organizations and future generations. Thus, if you have people...
Contesting a family business succession plan
Passing a business along from parents to children takes a great deal of thought. It also takes clear communication, a willingness to listen and accountability. There are many scenarios where the children will not feel they have gotten the best possible deal when it...
Estate planning around family friction
Every family faces challenges and conflicts between members at some point. However, some situations are more volatile and contentious than others. If this sounds like your family, the friction you experience could make it all but impossible to rely on your loved ones...