NOTE: This is part 1 of a two-part post on trusts. “What does my trust say?” If you’re like most people, you were surprised by the stack of documents at your estate planning signing meeting. The estate planning process has a lot of information to take in during a few meetings. You will gradually become […]
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Why You Need Estate Planning While You’re Alive
If you’re like most people, you will have medical issues sometime during your lifetime. It is imperative that you have up to date estate planning documents to address these medical issues. What estate planning documents address medical issues? The revocable living trust, financial power of attorney, power of attorney for healthcare, all address lifetime medical […]
You Don’t have to Disinherit Your Beneficiary Who is in a Nursing Home
If you’re like most people who have a loved one in a nursing home, you think that you have to disinherit your loved one for fear of disqualifying her from having her nursing home care paid for by MediCal. Great news! You don’t have to disinherit your beneficiary. Asset protection planning can avoid disqualification. Where […]
Your Legal Documents and Important Information: What to Organize
Along with your estate planning documents, it is important to leave a folder or binder with other important information. This will make taking care of you and your assets much easier if you become incapacitated or die. It would greatly help your Agent (under a Power of Attorney), Trustee (under a Trust), or Executor (under […]
What is Estate Planning?
No, it’s not a stupid question. We hear that question all the time: So, what exactly is estate planning anyway? If you’re like most people you have a general idea of what it means, but details would be helpful. Estate planning is a process that helps you to set goals, leave a legacy, and stay […]
I’ve Been Named as a Trustee. What Do I Do?
If you’ve been named as a Trustee of a loved one’s trust, you should work with an estate planning attorney who will guide you through your duties. In general, you are responsible for preserving and protecting the assets for the benefit of the named beneficiaries. It is imperative to remember that although you are responsible […]
Trustee – The Top 4 FAQ
Serving as Trustee for a loved one is both an honor and a responsibility. Turn to your estate planning attorney for expert guidance. Here are answers to the questions we receive most frequently in our office. 1. Is there anyone to help me? Yes. As a Trustee you can work with your estate planning attorney […]
My Parents Need Help Managing Their Bills
Run! Don’t walk to your estate planning attorney’s office. Your parents must put a comprehensive estate plan in place as soon as possible. Part of that estate plan allows you to help them out during their lifetime, managing finances, paying bills, and making health care decisions if they are not able to make those decisions […]
No Will? Yikes!
About 50% of all Americans over the age of 18 do not have a Will. Most either feel guilty about not having a Will or think they don’t need one. If you don’t have a Will, you need one. In fact, everyone 18 years and older needs his or her own Will. Why don’t people […]
Naming a Bank as Trustee
Yes, you can name a bank (or trust company) as Trustee of your Trust. This is common for large estates and for those who do not feel comfortable appointing family or friends as Trustee. There are manyof banks that have trust departments and can serve as the Executor of an estate and Trustee of a […]