Approximately three-fourths of Americans do not have a basic will.[1] Many of the same people also have children under the age of 18, which underscores a major misunderstanding about estate plans: They can accomplish much more than just handling financial assets (money, accounts, and property). One of the most important estate plan functions for parents of […]
No one will ever be you or parent exactly like you. More than likely, however, someone you know could do a decent job providing for your children’s general welfare, education, and medical needs if you can no longer do so. Parents with minor children should name someone to raise their children in the event both parents […]
Most people understand that having an estate plan benefits them and their loved ones. However, many individuals do not initiate the estate planning process because they do not fully understand the nuances of the core estate planning tools such as wills or trusts, additionally they do not understand the full implications of dying without either in […]
When most people think about creating an estate plan, they usually focus on what will happen when they die. They typically do not consider what their wishes would be if they were alive but unable to manage their own affairs (in other words, if they are alive but incapacitated). In many cases, failing to plan for […]
Many people believe that estate planning is only about planning for their death. But planning for what happens after you die is only one piece of the estate-planning puzzle. It is just as important to plan for what happens if you become unable to manage your own financial or medical affairs while you are alive (in […]
You have a minor child who depends on you for their survival, so you need to make sure they will be cared for if you are ever unable to care for them. By creating an estate plan, you can address your minor child’s care and custody and provide instructions about how your money and property should […]
One of the more uncomfortable aspects of estate planning is deciding what will happen to your child if both you and the child’s other legal parent were to die unexpectedly. While the odds of this happening are low, the consequences of not naming a legal guardian in your estate plan can be significant. Guardianships for children […]
What a busy few years it’s been for the entertainment industry and the probate courts of California! We are, of course, referring to the recent lifting of conservatorships from such stars as Britney Spears and now Amanda Bynes. In 2021, Britney Spear’s conservatorship ended after thirteen years and a massive online campaign. Now earlier this month, […]
