By Jim Gianelli Probate is a court process set up to assure that upon one’s death, assets get distributed to the people in one’s will (or in absence of a will, to one’s legal heirs), creditors get paid, and disputes are settled. Probate requires the estate to pay set statutory attorney and executor fees based
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When it comes to planning your estate, it’s best to start the process with an estate planning attorney, preferably a state-certified specialist. But other advisors may play a vital role: your accountant, banker, insurance agent, financial advisor or broker. You may also wish to involve your family, your doctor and, if applicable, your spiritual advisor.
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Your spouse has died, and whether or not the death was sudden and unexpected or gradual and expected, you are in shock. Your mind is just not working quite right. The realization of what has happened – and the grief – comes in waves, most of the time when you least expect it. You still
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Did you know you can lose your home to the state as a result of the state paying your long-term care costs? Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. Let’s discuss the problem and ways to avoid it. Consider this real case (the names have been changed). Mr. Jones, 87, is in the mid-to-late stages of
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Let me tell you a sad but true story that carries an important message: It pays to plan ahead. Two brothers sought my advice when their parents were severely injured in an out-of-state automobile accident. The father was in extremely critical condition. The mother was also critical but expected to live, albeit with brain injuries.
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Let me tell you a sad but true story that carries an important message: It pays to plan ahead. Two brothers sought my advice when their parents were severely injured in an out-of-state automobile accident. The father was in extremely critical condition. The mother was also critical but expected to live, albeit with brain injuries.
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This article describes one of the most important and popular estate planning tools in California, a revocable living trust. This is an estate planning document that is, in many respects, a substitute for a Last Will and Testament. “Revocable” means it can be undone or amended at any time.  “Living” means that it becomes effective
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