Some figures baffle.
Like the speed of light. Like the age and size of the universe.
Broad, measured thinking out of the box promotes sound estate planning
"You own this."
Those words might sound frightening to a would-be California estate planner, but they are actually meant to promote a feeling of empowerment rather than intimidation.
Remarrying couples unquestionably need to focus on estate planning
Many remarrying California individuals fail to timely consider and update existing estate plans to reflect new realities.
Don't be one of them.
How family dynamics affect estate conflicts
An old joke is that wherever there's a will . . . there are greedy relatives. While there is indeed truth in that adage, that's by far not the sole dynamic at play in most estate battles.
The truth is that each of the decedent's heirs and family members brings a distinct energy and dynamic to a contested estate case. Read on to learn how challenging family dynamics can affect your court fight over a loved one's estate.
Some planning considerations with election clock ticking
It's been quite a year thus far, hasn't it?
IRS focusing on taxes allegedly due re offshore company accounts
Estate planning can entail special complexities and challenges in almost any given case. Some California residents know that to be especially true when a portion of family assets reside in one or more offshore accounts.
Power of attorney selection not a casual decision
Readers will likely be venturing some immediate and varied responses to one estate planning article's spotlighting of "one of the most important decisions you'll make when you're planning your estate."
Is it the crafting of a will? Trust creation? Making determinations concerning inheritances and beneficiary designations? Business succession planning regarding a family-owned company?
Spotlighting estate plans containing foreign assets
Arguably, you've got - and perhaps in a literal sense - the best of all worlds if your estate plan contains both U.S.-based assets and foreign accounts/property.
You might also have a bit of a challenge and a few attendant headaches keeping up with your diverse holdings.
Understanding the role of an executor
If you have been assigned the role of executor of an estate, you have certain responsibilities relating to this. You are likely committed to fulfilling all of the associated duties, but you may be worried that you are not fully informed of the responsibilities.
This is why it is important that you take the time to understand the authorities that you have as the executive on an estate and the actions that you have the responsibility to perform. The following are some of the main tasks that you will need to engage in.
Loving and caring for a cherished companion via a pet trust
The current health pandemic has obviously upended the lives of millions of American families in material ways.
Ironically, though, it has also been the catalyst for home improvement on at least one front for legions of families spanning the country. Since the inception of stay-home guidelines earlier this spring, shelters and other providers have reported a steady decline in the number of animals in their facilities. It turns out that individuals and families from California to Maine have been adopting pets by the millions during the national health scare.
