As you grow older and start to think about your future, it’s essential to consider what will happen to your estate. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize their estate may be subject to probate court. The probate process can be lengthy, expensive and stressful for...
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Year: 2023
What are some of the benefits of using a trust?
When you’re leaving assets to an heir, you don’t have to list those assets in your will. You don’t even have to give them to your heir immediately upon your own passing. An alternative may be to put those assets into a trust, instead. The exact benefits that you see...
Debunking 4 common estate planning myths
The internet seems to have the answers for everything. But, over the last few years, there’s been a lot of misinformation running ramped on the web. Because of that, if you’re looking to make an estate plan, you may be led down the wrong path. Here are a few myths...
How do advanced healthcare directives work?
An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that allows you to outline your medical preferences if you become incapacitated and cannot effectively communicate your wishes. It is often referred to as a living will because it is implemented when you are still...
A QDOT can protect a large inheritance for a non-citizen spouse
There are a lot of misconceptions about whether people who are not U.S. citizens (either by birth or naturalization) can inherit assets from someone who has passed away. Californians who are citizens but are married to someone who hasn’t yet obtained their citizenship...
Who pays a deceased person’s debts?
When a person dies, their debts don’t automatically disappear. Instead, the responsibility for settling the decedent's debts falls on their estate. There are very few exceptions, but loved ones typically don’t have to pay for the debts of someone who passes away....
3 things people forget to do with their estate plans
Estate planning can be complicated. There are so many considerations you’ll need to make that it’s very likely you’ll forget some key details. It’s not uncommon, however, for people to forget to do something with their estate plan. The following are several things to...
4 reasons to avoid probate
When it comes to estate planning, you've probably heard that you should avoid probate. While the probate process may be necessary if there's conflict, there may be no reason for going through the court process when there's no contesting party. But why exactly should...
Does where a loved one lived (or died) matter to their estate?
It’s not at all uncommon for people to have multiple residences around the country. People may live in one state most of the year, then head to warmer territory and a second home in the winter. Or, they may own vacation homes that they use irregularly throughout the...
The following factors could invalidate your will
A will is a fundamental aspect of any estate plan. This legal instrument allows you to pass on an inheritance to those who you love most. You can also make provisions to take care of your children and much more. That being said, a will must be legally sound to...