What is a financial power of attorney? It’s a document that gives someone else the power to make financial decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. It avoids going to probate court, and is a part of a comprehensive estate plan in California.

Martha’s power of attorney helped her loved ones avoid going to probate court when she was in the hospital. Read her story!

Follow Jane’s case study and how her family had to cope with probate because her mom passed away without a comprehensive estate plan in California

Why do I need an estate plan in California? TLDR: To avoid protect assets from probate, assist your family, and prevent disputes.

It’s easy to think about the cost of probate in terms of executor/attorney fees in California but there are other costs that the executor or administrator may need to pay up front and get reimbursed later by the estate.

There are several myths about estate planning in California; let’s take them one by one!

The probate process in California is lengthy and costly. Here are the steps involved — and how to avoid it!

When should you create an estate plan? When you’re 18, when you have a kid, when you accumulate assets, when you retire… anytime!

Probate court handles matters involving incapacity and death. It’s expensive, takes a long time, and it’s public.

The cost of probate in California is based on the gross assets of the person who died.

Putting assets into the trust is a critical step to making sure your loved ones avoid probate court.

Terminology used in estate planning can be confusing. Here’s a summary of important terms to know.

Everyone over 18 years old needs some form of an estate plan in California.

Probate court takes 18-24 months usually because of the steps that need to be taken and the court hearing schedule.

The first, and most important thing you need to do when someone dies is grieve.

Every adult in California needs some kind of estate plan!

When a house is sold after someone dies, there can be capital gains taxes and/or property taxes depending on the circumstances.

An Executor is when there’s a will; an Administrator is when there’s no will; a Successor Trustee is when there’s a trust. Executors and Administrators are subject to Probate Court; the Successor trustee is not.

The cost of probate involves financial expenses, time, and publicity. The financial cost is a percentage of gross assets, as set by California statute.

Five ways to cope with grief, particularly when navigating the death of a loved one.