When developing a comprehensive estate plan, individuals automatically consider the distribution of cherished physical assets. Property such as a family home, business and vehicles as well as sentimental items such as a prized book collection or a watch handed down...
3308424
What you need to know about family disputes over inheritance
San Diego area residents who have had a loved one pass away may have had to go through a process of asset distribution. Usually, this process goes well but occasionally conflicts arise regarding an inheritance. Unfortunately, inheritance disputes can cause family...
The duties of a personal representative in California
Most people in California understand that upon their death, their property will be distributed to their heirs. If the person has left a will, the property will be distributed pursuant to instructions in the will. If the person dies without a will, the property will be...
Crucial reasons to challenge a will
Something just did not seem right about your father’s will. Even well before his death, you sensed something amiss in his life despite living miles away and seeing him infrequently. His physical and mental health had been failing the decade. He became too trusting...
Health crisis has inspired younger people toward estate planning
The ongoing health crisis has been an eye-opener for many people in San Diego, throughout California and across the nation. Often, people are under the mistaken impression that estate planning can wait until “later.” However, with the passage of time, people face...
When should you consider modifying your estate plan?
Estate planning is hard for most people. Not because the process is enormously complicated, but because it’s hard to come to terms with one’s own mortality. Those who do take the important step to create an estate plan often feel a great sense of release knowing that...
What did you forget in your estate plan?
A comprehensive estate plan contains numerous documents covering countless contingencies. With the stress surrounding this level of end-of-life decision-making, it is no wonder that most individuals leave critical elements out of their wills. Certain factors can help...
How the new administration will view your estate
When we think of taxes, it is usually in the context of sales or income tax. With a new administration poised to shift direction in prioritizing social services and expanded health care, estate planners may need to take a new look at the effect that changes in capital...
How important is a Will in estate planning?
While the debate continues about which is better to have, a will or a trust, it is essential to understand just how important it is to have a will at the very least. Believe it or not, 55% of Americans do not have any estate plan, let alone a will. And of those who do...
Estate planning issues and when a trustee can be removed
In California, a trustee is granted a significant amount of responsibility. The trustee is the legal owner of the assets in the trust and must oversee them according to the law. A fundamental aspect of the role is to behave in accordance with the fiduciary duties and...
