As the warm days of summer begin to wane, it’s a perfect time to take a step back from the fun-filled activities and think about the important aspects of life. One such crucial aspect is estate planning and, more specifically, reviewing your trust. An end-of-summer estate checkup can help ensure that your loved ones are […]
Estate Plan
Trust Administration Pitfalls to Avoid
Trust administration plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth transfer of assets and fulfilling the wishes of the trust creator. However, the process can be complex and prone to potential pitfalls. By exploring some of the common mistakes that can occur during trust administration and providing practical tips on how to prevent them, trustees […]
Apple Legacy Contact: Digital Estate Planning
In this increasingly digital age, our lives have become intertwined with technology. We use smartphones, tablets, and computers to manage our finances, communicate with loved ones, and store precious memories. However, what happens to our digital assets and online presence after we pass away? Recognizing the need for digital estate planning, Apple has introduced a […]
Making the Right Choice for Your Estate
When it comes to estate planning, creating a trust can be an excellent way to safeguard your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes. Trusts offer flexibility and control, allowing you to protect your wealth and provide for your loved ones even after you’re gone. Before diving into the world of trusts, […]
Extra Layer of Protection to Your Trust
Trusts have long been recognized as powerful tools for managing and protecting assets, ensuring their seamless transfer across generations. They provide a robust framework that allows individuals to safeguard their wealth and exercise control over its distribution. While trusts offer numerous benefits, some individuals may desire an additional layer of protection and oversight. Enter the […]
Ensuring the Care of Your Furry Friends
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. For many of us, our furry friends are considered beloved family members. However, have you ever considered what would happen to your pets if something were to happen to you? By incorporating pet guardianship into your estate planning, you can ensure that your cherished companions […]
Navigating Affairs After a Loved One’s Passing
The loss of a loved one is a challenging and emotional time. Amidst the grieving process, there are practical matters that need attention, especially in relation to your loved one’s estate. Estate planning plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition and proper distribution of assets. Here are 10 important steps to take when […]
Maximize Your Trust: A Guide To Funding
Funding your trust properly is important to ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes and that your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from the trust. Here are 5 tips to help you fund your trust: 1. Identify which assets you need to transfer to your trust It’s important that you identify which […]
Safeguarding Seniors from Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing problem in the digital age, and seniors are particularly vulnerable to this crime. As more seniors use online services to manage their finances, communicate with loved ones, and access healthcare, they become targets for identity thieves. Here are 7 tips and strategies to help seniors protect themselves against identity theft: […]
How to Plan for Your Child to Turn 18
Planning for your child’s transition into adulthood is an important step in ensuring their success and independence. Here are some tips for planning for your young adult to turn 18: 1. Talk About Finances As your child turns 18, they will become legally responsible for their own finances. This means it’s important to talk to […]
The Importance of Appointing Guardians
Having guardians set for your children in case something happens to you is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your children are taken care of in the event of an emergency. Here are some reasons why it’s so important: 1. Ensure Your Children’s Care By appointing guardians for your […]
How to Plan For A Child With Special Needs
Estate planning is an important consideration for all parents, but it is especially important for parents of special needs children. It is important for parents of special needs children to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that their child’s needs are met and their assets are managed appropriately. Here are 4 considerations […]
Estate Planning For Blended Families
Blended families are becoming more and more common. These families often include stepchildren, ex-spouses, and other complicated relationships that can make estate planning a challenge. However, with careful consideration and planning, it is possible to create an estate plan that addresses the unique needs of blended families. Here are 5 tips for blended families: 1. […]
The Value of a Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan
Whether you are starting from scratch or have an estate plan in place a letter of instruction (LOI) is an important part of any comprehensive plan. A letter of instruction can help your loved ones manage important information about you. A LOI conveys your desires, includes practical information about where to find various items referenced […]
Is Your Estate Plan Updated for the New Year?
You should check your estate planning documents every so often, to make sure they’re still good, especially with big life changes like births, marriages, divorces, and moving to another state. Children grow up, marriages dissolve, property gets sold, residences change. That’s why we recommend that you consult us for an estate-plan check-up every five years […]
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 to pay off their mortgage long before they […]
“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 peacefully sort everything out when they pass away without […]
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 estate and close out their final […]
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 directly to whoever you have selected as your beneficiary in the event you passed away. The […]
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 you now […]