When creating an estate plan with the help of an estate planning lawyer in Orange County, you’ll be asked to choose the beneficiaries whom you want to inherit your money and property when you pass away. In most cases, our clients tell us that ultimately they want their life’s hard work to go toward the […]
Beneficiary
What the New SECURE Act Means for Your Retirement Accounts
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement), which was included in a last-minute appropriations bill designed to avert a government shutdown before the end of the year. The new law will now affect how individuals are able to save money for their retirement, […]
What to Do When a Trustee is Untrustworthy
A trustee is legally required to administer a trust solely in the interests of the beneficiaries. So, what can you do as the beneficiary if you feel the trustee has breached his or her fiduciary duty? As an Irvine estate attorney, I would like to share some remedies to consider when you find yourself dealing […]
5 Legal and Financial Moves to Make Before the Year-End
As 2019 draws to a close, it may be time to take a fresh look at your financial and legal documents to ensure that your affairs are in order and that you are ending the year on a solid foundation before the estate planning year-end. This is especially important if you’ve experienced any notable life […]
Orange County Probate Lawyers Answer, “How Long Does It Take to Settle a Probate Estate in California?”
Whenever the time comes for an estate to be settled, many beneficiaries find themselves wondering how long the process is going to take. Orange County probate attorneys often tell clients that settling an estate through probate can take anywhere from eighteen months or longer here in California. In some cases, it may even take longer. […]
Is It a Bad Idea to Add My Kids to Title of My Home?
We often get asked this question: “wouldn’t this just be an easier way to avoid probate?” The reality is that is, of course, an option. However, there are many pitfalls (we detail 7 here) with that approach that get overlooked or are unknown. Watch this video to get the information you need before making such […]
Sweat the Small Stuff in Your Estate Plan
When planning their estates, most people focus on major assets, such as business interests, real estate, investments and retirement plans. But it’s also important to “sweat the small stuff” — tangible personal property. Examples include automobiles, jewelry, clothing, antiques, furniture, artwork, photographs, music collections, personal papers, collectibles (such as stamps, coins or baseball cards) and […]
How to Get Your Estate Planning Done in Just 10 Minutes
Research tells us that the majority of Americans today still do not have estate planning in place and only a third of parents have properly named legal guardians for their minor children. That’s problematic because life happens to all of us and gives none of us a heads up. But our message this week is not about […]
Your Financial Year-End Checklist. 7 Must Do’s
The end of the year is fast approaching. As we all prepare for the holidays and the coming of 2019, it is important that we wrap up any loose strings. Before entering into the new year, here are some things that need to be on your end of year checklist: 1. Review Your Living […]
Checking Your Estate Plan: Is It a Trick or a Treat?
When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you know if it will work when you need it to and be a treat for your loved ones to manage? Or is there a nasty trick lying in wait? Get our Estate Plan Checklist to give your plan a quick audit. It’s no […]
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 […]
Helpful Gifting Strategies for Beneficiaries
Everyone loves giving gifts at the holidays and the exchange of joy it brings. But have you considered how gifting to your loved ones can be part of your estate plan and the legacy you leave? Gifting strategies are for everyone, not just for the wealthy. If you have amassed any kind of assets in […]
Some Food for Thought When Reviewing Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is an ongoing process, and an estate plan review should be done every few years to ensure that your unique goals and needs are still being met. As I’ve mentioned before, your planning should never be merely a set of documents you execute once, stick on a shelf, and never look at again. […]
The Whys and Hows of Talking to Your Kids About Your Estate Plan
Talking about the taboo topics of money and death in one conversation is not most people’s idea of a good time. Many may say that talk of death makes them uncomfortable, and to discuss money would simply be impolite. Yet, when it comes to your family and their future, these connotations should be set aside […]
Why You Should Check Estate Planning Off Your To-Do List
January 1st has come and gone, but hopefully your New Year’s Resolutions have not done the same. Estate planning is one thing that should definitely make it onto your list of resolutions, whether you have already begun to plan or it is time for a review. The following are a few reasons to actually check […]
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 […]