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...
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...
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...
Listen to the Audio Version If you’re not familiar with Marie Kondo, take some time this week to watch one of her videos on YouTube or check out her new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. It’s incredible to watch the relief and joy that people experience...
While it may seem straightforward at first, there are a lot of details and difficulties that can get in the way of having the conversation with your aging or elderly parents. There are so many things to coordinate, and often the parent is less than helpful in the...
Click to Listen to the Audio Version Estate Planning attorneys very often find themselves advising adult children of the elderly on the intricacies of managing their parents’ finances. While it may seem straightforward at first, there are a lot of details and...
You could never fit the dreams, goals, and desires of your family into a one-size-fits-all box. Nor can you fully anticipate the unique challenges, changes, and loss you and your loved ones may face ahead. As impossible as it is to predict your future and generalize...
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...
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,...
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,...
A scary health diagnosis can be emotionally and logistically challenging for many reasons. For instance, how can you take care of your family if you’re physically incapacitated? In addition to working closely with your medical providers, consider these three...
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...
The recent passing of a few notable celebrities has shed some light on just how important comprehensive estate planning is for the protection of your estate and loved ones. Many of us know the singing legends, Aretha Franklin and Prince, but you may not have known...
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 secret...
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,...
The #1 Legal Document Every Adult NeedsJune 12, 2020
Estate Planning and COVID-19: Planning Ahead for a Long-Term CrisisJune 12, 2020
Considerations When Choosing a Legal Guardian Who Could Raise Your KidsJune 11, 2020
Enforcing Social Distancing for Elderly RelativesJune 4, 2020
Simple Steps To Avoid Probate In Orange CountyMay 26, 2020