Do-it-yourself estate planning has become the latest fad but our Orange County trust and estate litigation attorneys recognize how it can lead to litigation. Although the services and products you see offered on the internet or in bookstores may be much less expensive, in reality, these computer-generated forms are not comparable to the professional legal work you would receive from Orange County trust and estate litigation attorneys. A document you buy online might seem professional and … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids
An estate plan considers not just to whom assets should go, but also how. Each beneficiary is unique and the estate plan should consider their unique situation. This article looks at a couple with three very different children and how they might leave the assets for them in three very different ways.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Retirement assets may be a very large part of a person’s estate at death. It’s important to consider the income tax ramifications of naming a beneficiary, as well as protecting those assets for the beneficiaries. This article considers some of these issues.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets … [Read more...]
Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
Only 44% of Americans have even a simple Will. We procrastinate for several reasons. Learn those reasons and how to push past them. Learn, briefly, why planning is important.Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations can be a simple way to pass assets at death. While beneficiary designations avoid probate, they may introduce other problems. This article shows how a revocable trust can provide a more flexible way to achieve a client’s goals.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations … [Read more...]
Elder Abuse and Neglect Resulting in Fatal Infections
Regrettably, nursing home abuse and neglect are realities. When the time comes to consider whether to place a loved one in a nursing home, finding one that is safe becomes a primary concern. Many clients ask are county nursing homes safe. The fact is, every nursing home is different. So, it is important to do your homework. Even so, neglect can occur. If your loved one has suffered from elder abuse or neglect, discuss your options with one of our Los Angeles elder law attorneys.Elder Abuse in … [Read more...]
Special Needs Trust Administration and the Use of Prepaid Debit Cards
Trusts are very useful estate planning tools that provide a way to save money and other property for a chosen beneficiary. Some trusts have a particular purpose, such as providing future support for a loved one with special needs. Your chosen trustee will hold and manage the property, making that person responsible for seeing that the terms of the trust are fulfilled. Trustees of special needs trusts have unique issues when it comes to trust administration. One of them is the use of prepaid … [Read more...]
Academy Event in Las Vegas Hit the Jackpot!
The Academy’s 25th Anniversary event in Las Vegas was incredible. This article discusses some of the presentations and the camaraderie at the event. The Academy inspires excellence in its members, this event showed why.Academy Event in Las Vegas Hit the Jackpot! … [Read more...]
Dispelling the Most Common Myths About the Living Trust
A living trust is a very useful estate planning tool that you should consider including in every estate plan. However, before you take that step, there are a few common myths regarding living trusts of which you should be aware. This article will debunk three of the most common myths. For a complete understanding of how this estate planning tool can benefit you, discuss your options with your living trust attorney.MYTH: A Living Trust Requires You to Give Up Control of your PropertyWhile … [Read more...]
Trust Administration Vs. Estate Probate: Which is Better?
Some clients choose to create a revocable living trust as the basis of their estate plan, as opposed to the last will and testament. Trusts are typically used because they allow estates to avoid probate. Many clients wonder which is better – probate or trust administration. Our Los Angeles and Orange County trust administration attorneys can explain some of the differences to help you make that important choice.Understanding the differencesOne of the big differences between the … [Read more...]
