Whether you reside in California or some other state, it can be difficult to plan for the future of your descendants, as there are so many laws to learn about and options to choose for dispensing assets. One option for giving your assets to your loved ones after your...
Bay Area Estate And Tax Planning Law Firm
Bay Area Estates and Tax Law Blog
When your parents name you executor
It is not unusual for parents in California, or anywhere else in the country, to name an adult child as the executor of their estate. While this is an honor, it is also a heavy responsibility. Individuals chosen to be executors of a parent's will may want to consider...
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...
Estate planning basics for unmarried couples
The number of unmarried couples living together in California has skyrocketed in recent years. Some don't believe in marriage, while others don't want to take vows again because of an unpleasant divorce. Whatever your reason, unmarried committed couples should take...
Communicating unequal estate distributions
Parents with multiple children may leave their assets to their offspring by including them in a last will and testament. However, the parents may not divide assets equally. The parents may have compelling reasons why they are leaving unequal inheritances to their...
Questions you should ask your parents about their estate plan
When it comes time to discuss your parents' estate plan, it's important to have a plan of your own as to how the conversation should go. The topic can be a bit uncomfortable because you are discussing end-of-life plans, and nobody really likes talking about dying....
Planning your estate when there is family conflict
Not all California family members get along with each other. However, the last thing most parents want is for their passing away to exacerbate the situation among their children. That doesn't mean you must treat them equally, but you should avoid surprising them when...
What to Look for in an Attorney-in-fact
When you search for an attorney-in-fact, you’ll want to be careful. Your attorney-in-fact is responsible for performing financial transactions on your behalf. Because they have such an enormous responsibility, it is critical that you choose a responsible, ethical...
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...
Living trusts and tax returns: What you need to know
Estate planning in California is critical to preparing for your future and protecting your assets. Understanding the different types of trusts available to you and how they may affect your tax return can help you make informed decisions about estate planning. Living...