Why Isn’t a Will Enough in California?
Why is a will not enough in California? TLDR: A will alone does not help you avoid probate! A comprehensive estate plan is the best way to ensure that you avoid probate court during your lifetime and after you die.
Planning for the Inevitable: How to Safely Store Passwords in Case of Death
Secure Password Storage for Death: A Guide
How do I choose a guardian for my children?
Selecting a guardian for your minor children is incredibly difficult. This guide provides some helpful tips to consider!
What does it mean to disinherit someone?
Disinheriting means excluding a family member from receiving anything from your estate. And it’s important you do it correctly.
What does THIS mean? Definitions in Estate Planning
Terminology used in estate planning can be confusing. Here’s a summary of important terms to know.
Who needs an estate plan?
Everyone over 18 years old needs some form of an estate plan in California.
What is the first thing I need to do when a loved one dies?
The first, and most important thing you need to do when someone dies is grieve.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a will in California, then the state decides who gets your stuff and things. There’s an order of preference depending on who survives you, but it can take a long time to get there!
Where should I keep my estate plan?
The key is: tell someone where your estate plan is located.
Why do I need a will if I have a trust?
A will and a trust are part of a comprehensive estate plan in California; the will helps with three aspects of your plan.
Is an email a valid will?
Emailing your “will” is unlikely to be valid in California; there are other ways to make your wishes known.
What is the difference between a power of attorney a will and a trust?
A power of attorney does something different than a trust does something different than a will. Here’s a summary of the most frequently used terms and their definitions.
What happens if you die without a will?
What happens if you die without a will? The state gets to decide where your stuff goes.
3 Reasons to Estate Plan NOW
Three reasons to estate plan now: you have more than $184,500 in assets; you have kids; or you want to make life easier for your loved ones if you’re incapacitated or deceased.
What do I need to prepare to meet with an estate planning attorney?
You don’t need to prepare anything to meet with me. I will ask you questions and we will talk through everything at the initial consultation.
What does it mean to disinherit someone?
How to disinherit someone (exclude them) is important. There are key ways to do that; talk to your attorney.
Why do I need a will AND a trust in California?
Even if you have a trust in California, you still need a will. The will has a different job than the trust in this context.
What happens if you die without a will or trust?
What happens if you die without a will or a trust? Where does your stuff go?