Estate Planning Blog
Tips on How to Protect What Matters Most
Skipping 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...
What 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...
The 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...
How 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...
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...
“What’s the worst that can happen?”
“What’s the worst that can happen if I get sick or pass away without an estate plan in place?” This is a common question our Irvine will lawyers receive, especially from those in close-knit families who believe that their kids (or other loved ones) will...
Estate Planning During a Crisis
If you're worried about the possibility that you or a loved one could become ill or worse due to the novel coronavirus, you're not alone. The new spikes in cases across the country and fears of a second wave are anxiety-provoking. While none of us can predict the...
How to Claim Death Benefits After the Loss of a Loved One
Dealing with outstanding financial affairs after the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult. Our probate attorneys often hear from clients who would rather do anything else than think about money after their loved one’s passing. Unfortunately, death comes with...
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...
Millennials: Don’t Overlook the Need for Early Estate Planning!
Are you in your twenties or thirties? You’ve probably heard about the importance of Wills and Trusts by now, but you may feel like you’re still too young or just don’t have enough assets to warrant any estate planning yet. As a trust attorney, I can tell you that it’s...
Safe Places to Store Your Original Estate Planning Documents
Have you recently completed your estate plan with a will and trust lawyer? Congratulations! The hardest part is done. While you work to tie up any loose ends or “fund” your trust if necessary, now is also the time to give serious thought as to where you will store...
The #1 Legal Document Every Adult Needs
As the coronavirus continues to disrupt daily life and leave Americans uncertain of the future, you don’t have to feel helpless during this pandemic. In fact, now is a great time to be proactive and plan ahead should you or a loved one fall ill. One of the most...
Estate Planning and COVID-19: Planning Ahead for a Long-Term Crisis
If you're concerned that you or a loved one could become seriously ill or even worse due to the novel coronavirus, you're not alone. As medical experts predict a more violent return of the virus in the fall or that new spikes could occur in states as social distancing...
Considerations When Choosing a Legal Guardian Who Could Raise Your Kids
Do you have minor children? If so, have you considered choosing a legal guardian who you would want to raise your kids if you and/or their other parent suddenly passed away? While you may have a few thoughts in your mind about who would be best suited for the role...
Enforcing Social Distancing for Elderly Relatives
With nearly every region in the country living under some type of "stay at home" or "shelter in place" order during the current novel coronavirus pandemic, it can be frustrating trying to adhere to these new rules. It's even more challenging for those of us who are...
Simple Steps To Avoid Probate In Orange County
If you’ve ever lost a loved one here in Orange County, chances are you’ve had a few run-ins with the probate court. Here are the simple steps to avoid probate in Orange County. The goal of the probate process is to help the family of the deceased administer their...
Wills vs Trusts – Which Do You Need in Orange County?
Planning your estate with a wills and trusts attorney in Orange County is an important step in protecting your assets, your wishes, and the people that matter to you the most. There are a number of options available, as any estate planning lawyer can tell you. Do you...
Maintain Your ‘Voice’ During Disability
Estate planning covers more than death and taxes; for many people, it’s about maintaining their “voice” and clearly outlining their wishes in the event of incapacity or disability in Orange County. Far too many people assume that their loved ones know their wishes and...
Don’t Risk it: Protect Your Finances From Coronavirus Complications
Many Americans spend a lot of time and effort in managing their finances. While most are worried about how the coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact their income—whether that’s because they are temporarily furloughed, find themselves suddenly without a job, or watching...
Tips for Talking to Loved Ones About Estate Planning
Two of the most uncomfortable topics for almost any family to discuss are money and death. As a result, conversations about estate planning often don't happen until it's too late. As an Orange County estate planning attorney, I realize that there is never an easy time...
Beware of This Common Mistake When Refinancing Your Home
Here's a question we heard recently: "We're about to finalize a re-finance given the current rates and I'm wondering whether the mortgage go under the trust or just the house (which is already done)?" Great question and I'm glad you asked. This can be a confusing...
COVID Pandemic Preparation: 5 Estate Planning Essentials for Every Adult
With the number of COVID-19 cases in America increasing exponentially, people across the country are preparing themselves for every possible scenario. As a result, many estate planning attorneys are being inundated with calls and emails about how to plan for this type...
Should You Leave a Life Insurance Policy Outright to a Spouse?
Wondering if you should leave a life insurance policy outright to a spouse? Naming a legal beneficiary is necessary for life insurance, annuities, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and some bank accounts. Ideally, these assets will be paid...
Don’t Forget to Plan for Incapacity!
As an Orange County estate planning lawyer, I often find that people associate the phrase “estate planning” with the task of making final plans and ensuring that loved ones are provided for after death. While we all want to make sure that our families are taken care...
Irvine Will and Trust Lawyer: 5 Essentials of Estate Planning
Estate planning isn't just for older people, couples with children, or individuals with a lot of financial wealth. Single people, young adults, and those with a modest income can also benefit from estate planning. As an Irvine will and trust lawyer, I believe there...
Orange County Estate Planning Attorney Answers, “Are You Liable for Your Deceased Spouse’s Debts?”
As a rule of thumb, no one else is obligated to pay the debt of a person who has died. So, in general, you will not be responsible to pay off your deceased spouse's debts. However, there are some exceptions that vary from state to state: If you co-sign on a loan, then...
What to Know Before Transferring Ownership of Your Home in California
Most older adults believe that it’s easier for everyone involved – loved ones, beneficiaries, and executors – if they transfer full or partial ownership of their home prior to their passing. However, California elder law attorneys will caution you that there are...
Important Updates About COVID-19 for Our Clients and Community
We cannot stress enough that our community is our top priority. We remain open (just remotely) and we are here for you, your family, and friends as we all navigate through this pandemic crisis. This is a rapidly evolving situation. Just in the past day there has been...
How a Pour Over Will Works with a Living Trust
While most people have heard of a basic Last Will and Testament, they may not know what a Pour Over Will is and how it works with a Living Trust. As an Orange County will lawyer, I’d like to explain this estate planning tool. Essentially, a Pour-Over Will is used in...
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Special Needs Trust
A Special Needs Trust (also called a Supplemental Needs Trust) is a legal document that holds assets for a person with disabilities, while also providing legal authority for a trustee to manage money and make financial decisions on behalf of the individual with...
Recent Posts
Skipping Probate in Orange County? Here’s What Will HappenSeptember 18, 2020
What Happens to a Mortgage After You Pass Away?September 12, 2020
The Perils of Joint PropertySeptember 9, 2020
How to Spot the Early Signs of Dementia During LockdownSeptember 3, 2020
Estate Planning Tips for Single ParentsAugust 24, 2020