Estate Planning

Passing property to your loved ones should not be complicated, expensive or public, which is often the case when an estate passes through probate. This court-supervised process of transferring property after death remains the default path for many California families...

When people purchase real estate, they acquire title rights. They sign a deed that includes specific language about their ownership arrangements. Many people hold title in a simple manner. They simply include the names of all owners on the deed as joint owners. There...

Receiving a substantial inheritance after a loved one passes away often feels like a mixed blessing. You may now have life-changing financial resources, but the toll was losing someone you care about. Along with emotional complications, your inheritance can also...

It’s easy to assume that your spouse, adult child or a trusted relative could just step in and take care of things for you when you’re incapacitated. However, that’s not how it works. Without proper legal authority, no one can act on your behalf, despite your...

Vacation homes are places where siblings grew up sharing memories and bonding during the holidays. However, when parents pass away and the home becomes part of their parents’ estate, it can quickly turn from a cherished family retreat into a source of tension. Without...

Mental health challenges can be unpredictable. Whether depression, bipolar disorder or another condition, there may come a time when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. In this case, you can leverage a power of attorney (POA) for mental health to offer...

A pour-over will is a special type of will that works alongside a living trust. It ensures that any assets you own at the time of your death that you haven't already placed into the trust are "poured over" into it.  If you have a trust in place, a pour-over will acts...

An unexpected bonanza, whether from an inheritance, lottery winnings or a lucrative business deal, is undeniably life-changing. You may feel like running out and celebrating with a luxury purchase like an expensive car. A celebration may be warranted, but remember to...

All over the globe, there are sayings in various languages that roughly translate to “rags to rags in three generations.” What this means is that the first generation works hard and earns bundles of money, which the second generation subsequently squanders, leaving...

An asset protection trust is designed to protect your wealth from creditors and lawsuits. When you establish an asset protection trust, it is irrevocable. This means that the money and possessions covered by it may not be removed or withdrawn. Therefore, if you are...