Estate Planning Blog
Tips on How to Protect What Matters Most
Understanding VA Benefits for Aging California Veterans
The US Census Bureau reports that more than 18.2 million veterans live in the United States, and 38 percent of them are 65 and older. Additionally, the Census Bureau reports that more than 9 million veterans receive services from the Department of Veteran's Affairs...
Addressing Finances and Estate Planning with Aging Parents
It is essential that as your parents' age, you have conversations with them about their finances and estate plan. To broach the topic, you might bring up current events like the coronavirus pandemic, its effect on economic conditions, and how it relates to the...
The Worst Way to “Help” A Child with Special Needs
There’s a lot of bad information on the internet that directs parents of children with special needs to completely disinherit their child in order to maintain his or her eligibility for government benefits such as Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and...
Understandings Veteran Home Health Care and Technology in California
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has become an unlikely and innovative pioneer in the quest to provide cost-effective, quality in-home care for veteran home health care. Although the agency has long been mired in controversies surrounding its programs,...
What Property Can Be Placed in My Trust?
There are many benefits to creating a Revocable Living Trust as part of your estate plan, such as the ability to avoid probate and put a quick end to the estate administration process. However, creating a Revocable Living Trust will not automatically accomplish your...
The 2020 Ballot Impact on California Property Taxes
This year, the 2020 election holds many important decisions for voters, especially for California residents. On November 3rd, California residents will do more than elect new government leaders. They will also vote on two separate amendments to the California...
Medi-Cal Matters: Planning for When Your Ill Spouse Leaves Home
You may see it coming: Much as you want to and hard as you try, you just can’t take care of your ill spouse at home anymore. At this emotionally difficult time, the last thing you need is the stress of not knowing where to find the money to pay for the steep costs of...
“Should I leave $1 in my will or trust to disinherit an heir?”
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked this question when creating an estate plan... well, you get the point. There’s a common belief that if you want to disinherit an heir, say an adult child, that you should leave them $1 and nothing more in your will or...
I’ve Been Named as Someone’s Successor Trustee. Can I Turn Down the Job?
As part of the estate planning process, Irvine trust lawyers will always encourage clients to have open conversations with the person they intend to appoint as their Successor Trustee to ensure that they actually want the job if called upon. There are many...
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...
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 probate. Joint...
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...
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