Over the years, you fill your home with memories, things you love and value. You may have shelves of books, cabinets with heirlooms and souvenirs on display and many more knick-knacks. When it comes to creating your will, you may wonder: will it be necessary to...
We are your Southern California partner in estate administration and estate protection.
Estate Planning
How do you get your parents to start planning?
Life gets busy. The to-do list may seem never-ending, and the matter of planning for the future can fall lower on the list each day. However, this is a trend that seems to be widespread. This past March, Forbes reported that there has been a significant decrease in...
Is the will valid if your loved one has dementia?
One essential detail of creating a will – or any estate planning document – is testamentary capacity. Put simply, this means that the person who creates the will must have a sound mind. This aspect can come into question if a loved one faces a dementia diagnosis. Your...
Are these signs of dementia? What to know.
As you age, it is only natural to become more forgetful. It is only when this forgetfulness becomes more frequent or even dangerous, that it becomes a concern for you and your family. You might worry that this increased forgetfulness could be a much larger issue –...
Why does a will need witnesses?
If you have a will, it means that you must have two witnesses present when you establish it. This is a requirement, but this requirement serves a much larger purpose in probate. Here is the critical information you must know about the role witnesses play. Why...
What is a pet trust – and do you need one?
An estate plan helps ensure you can provide for the loved ones you leave behind. However, what happens to your furry friends? You cannot leave money or property to your pet like you would a person, even if they feel like just as much of a family member. But you can...
How living in California could impact your estate planning
Living in California, and particularly in Southern California, is a unique experience, with the weather, beaches, traffic and show business influence. What you might not realize is that a fairly unique California law can impact your estate plan, probate and trust...
How dementia during estate planning could lead to a probate challenge
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are a serious health crisis in the United States. As seniors live longer and our country's average age continues to rise, more and more Americans will be diagnosed with dementia in their later years. According to the...
Which life events trigger a need to revise your estate plan?
Having an estate plan is a crucial way to preserve your legacy. However, to ensure it continues to provide the protection you want and need, you should consider reviewing and revising your plan after certain life events. Relationship changes When people leave or come...
The time of filing for probate is not a time for surprises
Many people think probate is a nightmare. It can certainly be a stressful experience. While families process their grief and try to deal with their shock and emotions, family members and often friends want to know who is going to be the Executor (if there is a Will)...