Divorce Unfortunately, divorce is a topic that may come up during your estate planning and your lifetime. No one wants to think about divorce when getting married, and especially don’t want to think about dying after being married? It’s a community property state in California, but the law is relatively clear about what you can…
Estate Planning For Your Pet Have you wondered what might happen to your loving little family member who walks on four legs, has feathers or scales, and loves you unconditionally after you pass away? The best legal option when considering your pet and estate planning is to make a pet trust. With a pet trust,…
Guardianship in Estate Planning Our clients typically wonder what’s going to happen to their children if either or both parents pass away. Now what? The term “Guardianship” is used to appoint or name an individual(s) to take care of your minor children if either parent or both, have passed away or become incapacitated. In the…
How Many Plans Do I Need? Most folks have at least heard of estate planning. But fewer realize that a simple will is not enough to prepare for your future. In fact, a combination of plans – financial, tax, legacy, and estate – are vital to your financial well-being and the protection of your assets…
Estate Plan for Your Family Business Owning your own business can be a great endeavor that takes a lot of passion and drive. Many small business owners focus on the day-to-day management and growth of the business, rather than thinking about a time when he or she may not be in the business. This is…
Not Married? You’re Not Alone – but You Still Need a Plan. Approximately half of America’s population over the age of 16 is unmarried. While much of the discussion involving estate planning focuses on married couples, this topic is just as important for a single person. Many times it is even more important than a…
Estate Planning Helps A dream without a plan is simply a wish. Estate planning is not just about death and taxes — it puts you in the driver’s seat of your financial life, allowing you to set achievable goals. It is a great opportunity to focus on the legacy you want to leave behind for…
Tax and Estate Planning Season Tax prep activity is the perfect opportunity to get your estate plan in order and kill two birds with the proverbial stone “Tax and Estate Planning Season”. Why? Because as you run down your list of “tax prep” questions, you will find that your answers could also impact your estate…
Estate Planning Letter of Intent Estate planning protects your family’s financial future. Estate planning may take care of loved ones as well as finances. The letter of intent is an often-overlooked estate planning tool. An estate plan’s letter of intent instructs executors on how to manage assets and care for family and loved ones. Letters…
Are Your Documents Following the Same Script? Basics of Beneficiary Forms and Estate Planning – In the event of your untimely death, how your beneficiaries — or those people who receive your assets from your estate — are determined is highly dependent on how your property is titled. Generally, property with title includes vehicles, boats,…