As you look over your will and other important estate documents, your mind may wander to the subject of who is the best choice for your executor. Finding a dedicated person who wants to do this important task and has the necessary skills and attitude can make the...
Year: 2022
What is a codicil to a will and how many times may I add one?
California’s Probate Code defines a codicil as a “testamentary” document. This type of legal instrument may update or retract the instructions in an existing will. You may add a codicil to a valid will as often as you wish. A range of circumstances may come about that...
When should you revisit your estate plan?
An estate plan should not remain locked away after you create it. Certain life events necessitate revisions to keep it relevant. When you fail to go back and bring your estate plan up to date, you run the risk of leaving your family behind a mess. One of the more...
Essential considerations for new parents
Welcoming a new child into your life is a joyful time. With an addition to the family comes many new responsibilities. One essential task is to plan for what will happen to your child if you are no longer able to provide for him or her. As a new parent, tackle these...
Do singles need an estate plan too?
Estate planning may seem to have more relevance to families. However, single people can benefit from planning for their future too. Your decision to proactively plan may give you ample time to find a strategy that works with your lifestyle. When you know some of the...
How does a revocable trust differ from an irrevocable trust?
Revocable trusts, commonly referred to as living trusts, offer ways for their creators to manage and protect their assets. As reported by U.S. News, you may create a revocable trust and name yourself as trustee. Because a living trust is revocable, you may change its...
What happens when my will enters probate?
With assets worth at least $166,250, your will must pass through the probate court so your heirs may take legal ownership of your properties. The Judicial Council of California’s website notes that the individual who has custody of your will must submit it to the...
Maintaining your child’s eligibility for government assistance
You have worked hard to accumulate wealth during your lifetime. After your death, you want to be sure your hard work benefits your children and other loved ones. If you have a child who has a disability, though, it may be risky to give cash or other assets to him or...
3 ways to prevent disputes among your heirs
You want to provide for your loved ones after your death. You do not want them to be fighting with one another over your assets. You can create estate planning documents to give instructions to your heirs for your care if incapacitated and how to distribute your...
The importance of estate planning after the birth of a grandchild
In the months after you welcome a grandchild into your family, you may begin to wonder about passing your assets down to your loved ones. Estate planning can help take that worry away since you can describe what you want in legal documents. Avoiding fights among...