Supporting family caregivers is the national theme for November. There is a good chance that you know someone who is a family caregiver, even if you are not one yourself. The majority of Americans are willing to provide varying levels of support to older relatives and even friends. Support can take on many forms, like […]
Planning for Families
Estate Planning for Families with Disabled Persons and Special Needs
When estate planning for special needs there are quite a few terms you should be aware of, to understand the scope of work involved. Third-party special needs trusts sometimes referred to as supplemental needs trusts are estate planning tools for those parents of children with mental/physical disabilities and the elderly. This type of trust will […]
How to Prepare for Your Aging Parents’ Care in California
While every situation involving an aging parent is unique, one truism is that preparation is crucial to success. Whether you need basic information about eldercare resources and services, are looking for a local agency to provide those services, or have worries about legal documents or how to finance your parents’ care needs now or in […]
Understanding Estate Planning and Your Personal Property in California
Suppose that your estate plan is all set. It will be taking care of your home, savings, and investments, making sure that your family will get those valuable estate items fairly and efficiently. Your plan will also protect your legacy from your children’s potential divorces or bankruptcies. What could go wrong? Plenty, unfortunately, when it […]
Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents
As a single parent, it is critically important to have a comprehensive estate plan that protects your child(ren). Obviously, being the sole or primary caregiver doesn’t leave you with much time on your hands. However, putting some time aside to meet with an estate planning attorney can give you some peace of mind. By having […]
Three Options for When You Inherit Your Parent’s House
Typically, adult children have three options when they inherit a house from their parents: they can move in, sell, or rent it out. If you and/or your siblings inherit your parent’s house and don’t really know what to do, we’d suggest contacting an estate planning attorney to determine which of the following solutions is right […]
What to Know When Serving as a Trustee or Executor After Your Spouse Dies
Dealing with the loss of a spouse is one of the most difficult situations a person can face. The grief alone can be crippling and adding to the stress is the need to deal with funeral arrangements and any other tasks that may have arisen during your spouse’s final illness. And if you’re like most […]
New Baby? Time to Create Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is often one item that gets pushed back on nearly everyone’s to-do list. That’s especially the case when you are so focused on loving and caring for your new bundle of joy. The other reasons you might be delaying vary: lack of time, not thinking you have enough assets, not knowing how to […]
The Estate Planning and Conversations You and Your Spouse Need to Have
When was the last time you and your spouse discussed your estate planning? We know it is probably not on your list of “date night” conversations. In fact, many of our friends, family, and even professionals we work with tell us that once they create their estate plan, they consider it finalized and do not […]
Don’t Make These Common, Expensive Mistakes When Leaving an Inheritance to Minor Children
Most parents want to make sure their children are provided for in the event something happens to them while the children are still minors. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and good friends sometimes want to leave gifts to beloved young children too. Unfortunately, good intentions and poor planning often have unintended results. Don’t make these common, expensive […]
Summer Vacation Bound? Tackle These 5 Important “To Do’s” First
It’s no surprise that Americans spend more time planning their summer vacations than they do planning their estate. Indeed, two-thirds of Americans do not have any estate planning in place, and 69% of parents have yet to name legal guardians for their children. These are frightening statistics, but understandable as vacations are fun but contemplating […]