If you were chosen by a loved one, friend or colleague to be the executor (known as the “personal representative” under California law) of their estate, they likely trusted you to be able to handle this responsibility and help carry out their final wishes for their...
Estate Planning
What is a durable power of attorney for health care?
A durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated due to age, injury or illness. In California, this document should be considered...
How can you give a bank account to a beneficiary?
As part of your estate plan, you want to pass your main bank account on to a specific beneficiary. You may be giving other financial or tangible assets to other beneficiaries, but now you’re looking to incorporate this bank account into the plan. That being said, you...
2 reasons why someone might contest a will
A will is the starting point of any estate plan. This document outlines the testator’s intentions in terms of how their assets should be divided upon their death. On top of that, a will can also name guardians who look after minor children in the event of the parent’s...
5 issues to address in your advance health care directive
An advance health care directive or living will is one of the documents you should draft when estate planning. With this document, you can state your medical care wishes to be observed in the event of incapacitation. Below are five issues that you’ll want to address...
2 categories of trusts you should understand
Creating an estate plan is filled with major decisions that can impact your life and the way you’re able to care for your loved ones after you pass away. While you may think about leaving things to your beneficiaries through a will, there’s another option to consider....
Does a DNR order do enough?
Some people do not want life-saving medical care in certain situations. They would not like to be resuscitated if they stop breathing, for example, or if their heart stops beating. There are many reasons why people choose this, from personal religious reasons to...
Why California’s next-of-kin law may not protect your interests
No one wants to think about the possibility of being critically injured or seriously ill and being in a hospital in a coma or otherwise unable to communicate with their medical providers. If that were to happen, however, most people would want a trusted family member...
Young adults can benefit from estate planning
Many people believe that estate planning is only necessary for the elderly or those with life-threatening conditions. However, adults of all ages can benefit from making an estate plan, including young adults. While it isn’t something that most people like to think...
Is creating a digital estate plan worth the effort?
If you are like most American adults, your digital assets, including social media accounts, digital photos and videos, online banking and investment accounts, email accounts and material stored in the Cloud, likely play important roles in your daily life. Have you...