Posts Tagged ‘Living Wills’
“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 trust. The thought is…
Read MoreWhy 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 passed away, which means that it cannot be used to…
Read MoreLiving Will or POLST? What You Need to Know
A document called a Living Will can also bring peace of mind to both you and your loved ones because it provides instructions about your end-of-life medical care decisions. However, more comprehensive advance care planning is recommended. For example, if you were incapacitated due to a form of dementia and later contracted cancer, would you…
Read MoreHow 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 conjunction with a Living…
Read MoreNew Baby? Time to Create Your Estate Plan
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 you have enough assets, not knowing how to…
Read MoreChecking 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreDon’t Make These Common, Expensive Mistakes When Leaving an Inheritance to Minor Children
Most parents want to make sure their children are provided for in the event something happens to them while the children are still minors. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and good friends sometimes want to leave gifts to beloved young children too. Unfortunately, good intentions and poor planning often have unintended results. Don’t make these common, expensive…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease and How to Plan Ahead
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, know you are not alone. Currently, over five million people are living with this diagnosis this year. In our firm, we meet with families just like yours who are actively seeking solutions, education and resources to teach them what they need to know…
Read MoreWant to Know the Planning that Will Ensure Your Independence this 4th of July?
Did you know “the 4th of July—variously known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution” in America? As we celebrate the independence of America this month, it’s time to…
Read MoreJust Moved to California? 7 Areas of Your Estate Plan You Cannot Overlook
Congrats on the move and welcome to California! Assuredly you have a long checklist of things to do to get settled. However, make sure that reviewing your estate plan is high on that list. You did not take the time, energy, and money to create an estate plan to only have it fail when you and…
Read MoreThe Pitfalls of a Do-It-Yourself Estate Plan and How to Avoid Them
When the term “Do-It-Yourself” or “DIY” comes to mind, what do you think of? A weekend spent working hard on a home improvement project? An evening putting together your kid’s new bicycle? DIT projects can bring a lot of joy and pride from realizing you’ve accomplished something great on your own. On the other hand, doing…
Read MoreMillennial Estate Planning Made Easy, Simple, and Outstanding
For most people in their 20’s and early 30’s, the topic of estate planning seems to be something for older generations to discuss. It follows the natural course that one starts to sort their affairs the closer they get to the end of their life. Of course, this assumes our lives have a definitive timeline. …
Read MoreCongratulations! It’s an Estate Plan! Protecting Your Newborn from Birth
Congratulations are in order for one of my best friends and his wife on the birth of their first child – a sweet baby girl. She is adorable and it is clear from the joy in his face that his heart is stolen away forever (cue Van Morrison song). My wife and I have been…
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