If you want your revocable living trust to be more than a pile of legal papers, you must fund it. Why? Because your successor trustee, who serves if you become incapacitated or die, only has authority to manage assets that are funded into the trust. If you created your trust with the goal of avoiding […]
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Settling a trust costs less than going through probate in California
Wow! It’s So Much Less Expensive to Settle a Trust than to go through Probate in California A fully funded trust, with no issues and no formal accounting, can be settled for less than $1,000 in attorney fees when you die. That’s a huge contrast to the attorney fees to go through probate in California. […]
How to Protect Your Child’s Inheritance from her Spouse
Whether you pass a large gift during your lifetime or an inheritance at your death, you are likely concerned that your child’s assets may be mishandled or taken by his or her spouse either during the marriage or during a divorce. You can protect the assets you give to your child by transferring the assets […]
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Having a blended family adds a layer of complexity to estate planning; however, it’s worth the effort because estate planning can protect both your children, from a previous relationship, and your second (or third) spouse. Your options depend upon the size of your estate, your beneficiaries’ needs, your goals, and whether you are insurable. Often, […]
14 Things You Can Do With Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is much more than deciding who gets what. Creating an estate plan is the same as creating a big instruction book; here are 14 things you can do with your estate plan. You can give instruction to: Keep your children from being disinherited, if you are in a blended family. Authorize a trusted […]
Should I Name My Second Spouse as My Successor Trustee?
It can be challenging to choose the right individuals to hold the roles of trusted helpers such, as a successor trustee. When you’re married, it’s normal to look to your spouse to take on the role of the primary successor trustee. This means that if you are not able to manage your assets, during any […]
LegalZoom is Not the Same as Working with an Estate Planning Attorney
LegalZoom is an online legal form provider; you’ve likely seen the commercials on television. Don’t be fooled; LegalZoom and other online estate planning form providers are not the same as working with an estate planning attorney. In fact, LegalZoom is being sued in the state of California in a class action suit, representing about 3,000 […]
Using a Revocable Living Trust to Avoid Probate
There are several ways to avoid probate, but most methods have pitfalls; the revocable living trust is usually your best bet to avoid pitfalls and totally avoids probate, when fully funded. If you want to avoid probate, call our office for a consultation. The Key to Avoiding Probate with Trust-Based Planning The absolute key to […]
It’s Okay to Call Your Estate Planning Attorney
You’ve set up your estate plan and your estate planning attorney said that he or she welcomes calls if you have questions or concerns, but you’re not sure if your particular situation necessitates a call or email. We’ve listed 8 circumstances when it is likely in your best interest to call your estate planning attorney […]
How to Use a General Durable Power of Attorney
If you have been named as an agent under a general durable power of attorney, your job is to carry out the instructions in the power of attorney document. If you have questions about serving as agent, please feel free to call our office at (858) 792-5988 for a consultation. We’d be happy to guide […]