Archive for September 2020
Why a Last Will and Testament Does Not Make a Complete Estate Plan
While the Last Will and Testament is an important estate planning tool, Orange County trust and estates lawyers want clients to be aware that there are certain things it won’t accomplish. To start, a Last Will and Testament will only come into effect after you’ve passed away, which means that it cannot be used to…
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between a POLST and an Advance Healthcare Directive?
Both an advance healthcare directive (also called a living will or healthcare proxy) and a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form are important documents to prepare ahead of time as they provide information about treatment wishes. However, they give different information, are used in different ways, and at different times. Neither are replacements for…
Read MoreSkipping Probate in Orange County? Here’s What Will Happen
Probate in Orange County is a process in which a court decides whether a will is valid or not. It’s also legally required in most cases for the management and distribution of a decedent’s assets with or without a will. This definition suggests that if you are skipping probate, there’s no way to legally transfer…
Read MoreWhat Happens to a Mortgage After You Pass Away?
Estate plans usually concern who will get what, like money, jewelry, the house, and family heirlooms after a person dies. Little thought, though, is given to what will happen to debts when they die and what happens to a mortgage after you pass away? Many people expect to pay off their mortgage long before they…
Read MoreThe Perils of Joint Property
People often set up bank accounts or real estate so that they own it jointly with a spouse or other family member. The appeal of joint tenancy is that when one owner dies, the other will automatically inherit the property without it having to go through probate. Joint property is all perceived to be easy…
Read MoreHow to Spot the Early Signs of Dementia During Lockdown
We’re all facing new challenges in lockdown, and one of them is how to help our senior loved ones. We can’t see them as much as we want, even as lockdowns get lifted since they’re still in high-risk groups for succumbing to the virus. Unfortunately, that means we might not have the kind of contact…
Read MoreEstate Planning Is About More Than Planning for Death
One of the main reasons estate planning is often placed on the back burner is that death is an easy topic to avoid. Thinking positive thoughts and hoping for a long and happy life makes us feel better in the moment. Of course, the uncomfortable truth is that we cannot control time, we never will…
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