We have noted in past blog posts of our Alameda County estate planning firm that standardized strategies and outcomes in the estate administration realm are both illogical and impossible.And that is for one distinct and simple reason: families. Families are...
Month: December 2017
Thankfully, every estate plan can be uniquely tailored
"When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground."Although that is obviously not intended as a literal statement, it is a figurative truth that is immediately understood. And its meaning is certainly enhanced through reference to "wisdom, beliefs, values,...
For some retired planners, not the best holiday present
A recent Investment News article makes the central point that life never does stop being complicated for some retired individuals and families.Consider the case of a retiree living in California or elsewhere who is a Medicare enrollee receiving the important benefits...
That key probate executor function: watch for these errors
We've all heard adages like this before: You wouldn't hire a plumber to perform surgery, so why would you … ?For purposes of today's blog post, we would simply pose this query: Why would a planner name a lay person with little or no professional experience as...
Is it time to review and update your will?
You've already taken the step of creating a will, which sets you apart from a surprising number of adults throughout the country. If you only recently created your will and have yet to experience any major life changes, you probably have no great need to review...
Your assets, your heirs: assuming some very important control
A recent media report on estate planning and administration cites to a whopping $30 trillion or so (yes, that's with a "t") in assets that is expected to be passed along from baby boomers to their heirs over the next few decades.And then there's this: Notwithstanding...
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Even a fortune can disappear without sound estate planning
Some figures baffle.Like the speed of light. Like the age and size of the universe. And like estimates pegging the personal fortunes of America's richest families.Consider this imagery relevant to the storied Vanderbilt family for a moment: a pile of money equaling...
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. It is no secret that legions of...
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. Many remarrying California individuals fail to timely consider and update existing estate plans to reflect new...
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