According to a new Caring.com survey, only 32.9% of U.S. adults currently have estate planning documents such as a trust or will. Settling the final affairs of a deceased person and distributing their assets to inheritors without a will, trust, or estate plan can bring about several challenges.
When it comes to the process of probate, many people are unfamiliar with what it is and how it works. Whether you are planning your estate or have recently lost a loved one and dealing with the probate process, having an experienced attorney guiding you through the process and educating you on important probate terms can help.
Estate planning is not just about setting up wills and trusts to care for your loved ones when you’re gone. It’s also about preparing for the unexpected surprises in your own life, especially when it comes to your own health.
The news often reports about persons in the public eye with fortune and fame that die suddenly without a will or with a terribly outdated estate plan. Because the celebrity with high net worth failed to address who will inherit their assets with a will or trust that...
Real estate is often among the most valuable assets we own. A house purchased a few decades ago may have ballooned in value, making it worth far more than you could have ever imagined. The question is: What should you do with it long-term? Many older adults want to...
If you have an estate plan, you’re doing better than about 50% of Americans, who don’t have a plan in place at all. Good job! Now, have you considered the need to update or amend your plan? You can’t just cross things out and initial your changes. For one thing, you...
We have been talking about the importance of timely estate planning in many of these posts. Obviously it is optimal to plan when we are clear-headed. We also know that grief can cloud thinking. This is why an estate plan, complete with health care directive, can...
There are so many resources online that show you how to do everything from making a gourmet dish to refinishing a piece of furniture. While some things are worth embracing the “DIY spirit” and doing yourself, writing your will on your own is not one of them. What...
Estate planning helps Californians protect their most valued assets, their family and even their pets. For many people, pets are as special as anyone else in their family. If you’re worried about what will happen to your pet if you unexpectedly pass away, become...
Many people make the mistake of letting their estate plan sit. Yet, life happens, and you may need to make changes to it that reflect your current circumstances. By knowing when and why you must update your estate plan, you can manage it from a position of strength....
