As Bay Area estate attorneys who’ve seen it all, we think every adult needs an estate plan. However, there are certain circumstances where estate plans should be a legal obligation. These include: Adults with minor children Any family with individuals...

The estate planning process is relatively straightforward - assuming clients have everything they need with them or readily accessible. Successful estate planning requires a comprehensive approach that includes both the mental and legacy aspects of your estate and its assets,...

Legal guardianship begins when the court determines that the person in question cannot make sound decisions for him or herself and designates the responsibility to someone else. In most cases, guardianship cases result from deceased parents or parents who are...

Wills and living trusts are the cornerstones of estate plans. The more assets you have, the more likely you are to need a living trust. There are two types of living trusts: revocable and irrevocable trusts. If you are newer...

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a powerful move, complete with advanced directives and POA’s in place. We repeatedly witness how these steps provide immense peace of mind for our clients. Once an estate plan is in place, there is...

The wake of the last remaining parent’s death is a large one for most families, and the complicated emotions around that death pose challenges of their own. This is especially true when the estate plans are not updated, are unclear, or...

When we meet with clients for the first time, we consider it the first of many meetings throughout their lifetime. Together, we’re forging a partnership. So, in addition to getting your estate plans in place, your attorney should be someone...

If you have minor children, you must have a will or an estate plan in place. Failure to do so means your children’s custody is at the mercy of the courts if the natural parents die while children are still...

Creating an estate plan supports your vision of distributing the estate amongst heirs, beneficiaries, friends, or favorite charities and organizations from a heart-centered standpoint.   From the state’s perspective, your estate plan or the probate process ensures bills and debts...

In a perfect world, everyone’s estate plans would be in order before being diagnosed with any life-altering conditions like dementia. If that hasn’t happened, a diagnosis like dementia should automatically trigger a review of any existing estate plans, or families...