Choosing a trustee is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make when setting up a trust. This person will manage the assets you've worked hard to accumulate, ensuring they're used as you've intended. But how do you choose the right person for this significant...
Bay Area Estate And Tax Planning Law Firm
Estate Planning
The pros and cons of including a no-contest clause in your will
Creating a will means planning ahead to avoid family disputes. A no-contest clause, although it seems straightforward, is a complicated legal tool that can either help enforce your wishes or unintentionally cause disagreements. Discouraging legal disputes and ensuring...
4 things to consider when modifying an estate plan
Estate planning helps you manage your assets and ensure your wishes are honored after your passing. However, life changes may require you to update your estate plan. Here are four essential considerations when modifying an estate plan in California. 1. Changes in...
Protecting your family business legacy with trusts and estates
Building a successful family business is a testament to hard work and cultural values that span generations. As your enterprise grows and your assets add up, it is important to think about how to protect and pass on this wealth effectively. Trusts and estates can help...
Reasons you might consider a non-family executor
Estate planning requires you to make important personal decisions that shape your legacy. Many people instinctively choose family members as executors. As you consider who to appoint, you may want to think beyond family members and explore the benefits of naming a...
What if a beneficiary passes away unexpectedly?
Getting started on your estate planning journey can be a terrific way to preserve your assets and provide for your loved ones after you're gone. However, life can be unpredictable. What happens if a beneficiary suddenly dies before the person who made the will or...
Crafting an estate plan? Avoid these 5 mistakes when naming beneficiaries
Selecting your beneficiaries is a crucial step in estate planning. It determines who receives your assets after you're gone. But this process can be tricky, and mistakes may sneak up on you. These errors might cause your assets to end up in the wrong hands or create...
What assets should you include in a California trust?
A trust is a crucial component of any estate plan, helping you ensure the proper distribution of your assets even if you become incapacitated or pass away. However, establishing a trust is only the beginning of a comprehensive process. Once you have created your...
Make sure to update your will after major health changes
When experiencing a major health change, people are more likely to focus on their treatment, recovery and adjustment to their new normal. While it is natural to prioritize health, updating your will is equally important. In general, a will remains valid until you...
Estate Planning 101: Your first steps
Creating an estate plan is a vital step in securing your family's future and safeguarding your assets. Many people in California put off this important task, finding it too complex or uncomfortable to think about end-of-life matters. However, understanding your...