Probate is a legal process designed to efficiently and effectively distribute assets and transfer titles and properties to heirs and beneficiaries. In our Estate Planning Glossary, we explain the term probate as follows:  If you don’t have a will or trust...

In the wake of a loved one’s death, there is so much to be done - especially in the first 10 to 14 days. It is overwhelming at times, and it can feel impossible to activate the “logistical” parts of...

For many, a will is as simple as leaving all of your assets to your spouse or equally divided between your surviving children. For most, however, wills are more complicated than that and require the creation of personal property memorandums. ...

Sometimes, we wish we weren’t in an industry titled, “estate planning,” because the word estate conjures images of wealthy lords of manors and acres and acres of land, with orchards of money trees. As a result, the greater population mistakenly believes that...

An estate plan is a living document, and it can feel just as complex as any other living thing. It is a multi-faceted way to address your values, your legal and medical wishes if you become incapacitated, what will happen to...

California’s probate courts are very clear about who inherits what when an individual dies (the “decedent”) without a will, trust, or estate plan in place. The decedent's assets (properties, cars, possessions, businesses, and even digital property) are distributed to his/her...

Estate planning can be a challenging experience because it requires thinking in the long-term and about one’s own vulnerability. Add the abundance of legal terms that accompany any foray into the land of estate planning and we understand why the process can...

Creating a charitable trust is more than a worthy way to support your favorite non-profit organization, it can also provide significant tax breaks for yourself and your estate. They are win-win for your estate, and can still result in the ability...

Thinking about estate planning is often as far as many people get until an unplanned or traumatic situation occurs, at which point it’s challenging to assemble a mindful, organized, and sensible estate plan. Our recurring mantra is that it’s never...

There is no blog that can teach you everything you need to know to understand taxes and trust distribution. Whether you are in the process of setting up a trust, or you are a recent beneficiary of a trust or...