Estate litigation can present a challenge for many different reasons. Not every disagreement will necessarily lead to estate litigation, but there are some issues that are more likely to bring people to court than others. Whether you are facing litigation initiated by someone else or you are considering filing a lawsuit yourself, our Orange County trust and estate litigation attorneys are here to help. But, if you want to avoid estate litigation, here are three tips that may help you in that … [Read more...]
Who Makes the Decision When There is No Advance Directive?
Under the law, everyone has the right to make their own decisions regarding their medical care. This is true at any point in your life, including when your life is ending. It is also true even if you are no longer able to express your desires regarding medical care. If that happens, you can use your living will to spell out your instructions for you. A living will also serves the very important purpose of lifting the weight and alleviating the stress your family will surely feel at such an … [Read more...]
Do Prenuptial Agreements Result in Trust and Estate Litigation?
There are many different factors that can affect probate and increase the possibility of trust and estate litigation. To explain it another way, there are several different estate planning tools that play different roles in the probate process, in addition to trusts and the last will and testament. One of those estate planning documents is the prenuptial agreement. In this article, our trust and estate litigation lawyers explain how prenuptial agreements affect the process and can lead to … [Read more...]
Planning for the International Client
Estate planning for the international client can be tricky. This article looks at the estate tax treatment of U.S. citizens and non-resident aliens. The article then looks at an example of someone who lived in the U.S. and then departed.Planning for the International Client … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
An estate plan considers many important aspects. One of the many aspects to consider is the impact of taxes. This article examines some of the many ways consideration of taxes might impact an estate plan.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes … [Read more...]
Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
This article examines trying to exert control over your beneficiaries after death. Often, clients try to dictate the exact manner in which funds are used. Usually, it is a better course to give the trustee discretion.Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...]
Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the death of Charlotte Fox, one of the most famous mount climbers ever, who fell down her stairs at home. You never know what risks might be around the corner, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan.Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...]
Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Can Lead to Litigation
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...]
