I read that when making a revocable living trust, I could leave my property to my children “per stirpes.” Why is the law talking about us like we’re some kind of zebra? The phrase is Latin and it is “per stirpes,” not “per stripes.” Some bits of property law are...
On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) gave name to the disease-causing the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus disease 2019 shortly after became known by its abbreviation, CO for corona, VI for the virus, D for disease, and 19 for the...
Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person’s will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors. Probate law varies by state, but there are steps in the process that...
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,...
An estate plan is important for people of all ages, but as we age, the need for planning becomes even more critical. Many people avoid estate planning because they do not want to think about the end of life, failing health, or disability. Others believe that an estate...
Estate planning may sound like the domain of the very wealthy, however, in the eyes of the law, an estate is simply the aggregate of property an individual owns, and most everyone owns something. Property ownership includes individual as well as jointly owned bank...
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...
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...
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...
Your wedding is over, and the day was absolutely perfect. You went away on your honeymoon with your new spouse and had the time of your lives. Now you are back and can breathe a sigh of relief and watch the rest of the years ahead unfold before your eyes. Well, not so...
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...
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...
Be Proactive! Long-term Care Costs are on the Rise in CaliforniaSeptember 29, 2021
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