Estate planning is a helpful way for those in California to put plans in motion that will ensure their loved ones are cared for when they are gone. A properly established estate helps ensure you pay your debts while leaving behind assets to your beneficiaries....
Bay Area Estate And Tax Planning Law Firm
Probate And Estate Administration
The purpose of a probate bond in California
If you are appointed to administer an estate by the probate court in California or have been named as an executor, you might be required to post a probate bond. Being bonded is a common requirement to protect the estate's beneficiaries and heirs. What is a probate...
When to get an advance directive in California
Advance directives are an important estate planning tool for California residents. They allow you to give instructions for how your health should be handled if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. Many residents hesitate to create an advance directive before...
How to avoid mistakes when filing a California small estate affidavit
One way to quickly and efficiently transfer inherited property in California is by using the state's small estate affidavit. If you are the heir to a loved one's estate, it’s best to begin filing such an affidavit as soon as possible. Small estates This affidavit was...
What it means to be a fiduciary
A fiduciary is an individual legally bound to act in the best interests of another party, known as the principal. You probably already know that your California physician cannot disclose confidential information about your medical history without your permission....
What happens when you inherit debt in California
When California residents pass away, they usually do so with some assets and some debt. When possible, the estate’s assets pay debts left behind. However, in some cases, the situation may be more complicated than that, especially for the surviving spouse. Inherited...
Avoid lengthy probate by learning about estate planning
Probate is sometimes an unavoidable and lengthy process in which the court makes final decisions about someone's estate in the wake of their death. While probate can take a long time, holding up the inheritance of many beneficiaries, there is a limit on the length of...
Finally dispelled: the most common myths about fiduciaries
Californians use a variety of financial advisors in an effort to leverage their money and limit their liabilities. Resources range from online and print publications to accountants and estate planning attorneys. However, not all financial advisors are looking out for...
Understanding the concept of fiduciary duty in California
Fiduciary duty refers to the duty of one party to act in the best interests of another. The main fiduciary duty is the duty of care, which requires fiduciaries to exercise reasonable care and skill when making decisions on behalf of others. There are other fiduciary...
Handling mortgage issues during probate
There are a great many estate administration issues that can come up during the initial exam in California. These are issues that can result in a tedious and costly process of probate. One of them can be your failure to resolve issues such as mortgage payments, condo...