Tustin Estate Planning Law Blog
Proactive estate planning for unmarried couples in California
Loving each other, living together and even having kids without marriage, for some people in California, is their preferred way of life. Of course, it has some benefits, as it reduces the pressure to go through the legal process of marriage and all that it entails....
Why end-of-life documents are important in estate plans
Estate planning can be challenging, but avoiding it can cause many problems for California residents and their heirs. Even if you only accomplish part of it, not accomplishing all essential components can unintentionally throw your family into disarray. Problems can...
An unexpected child may require you to update your estate plan
If you're raising a family in California and have an unexpected child, reviewing your estate plan and ensuring it meets your current wishes is essential. You will need to make changes to ensure this newest addition to your family is included. Addeing a new beneficiary...
California estate planning tips for estranged family members
Estranged family members make the estate planning process more stressful because you don't know how they're going to react to your wishes after your death. Conflict among the family isn't what you want, but at the same time, you may not feel right about giving someone...
Things nobody warns you about being an executor in California
It's a great honor for someone to trust you to handle their estate in California after they die. That being said, being an executor is not a simple task. Many potential issues can arise while carrying out this duty, and depending on the size and complexity of an...
What is a California Totten trust?
A Totten Trust is a bank account that transfers funds to a beneficiary after the account holder dies. As a California resident, you might establish this account to avoid your assets getting tied up in California's probate court. To avoid confusion, remember that this...
Spendthrift trusts in estate planning
Many people may want to pass along assets to a California loved one when they pass away. However, they may be concerned about their loved one's ability to manage the funds or even their vulnerability to creditors. A spendthrift trust is one solution that people may...
What Is a First-Party Special Needs Trust?
Individuals living with disabilities in California often have additional daily needs that others don't require. Many cannot live without external support. Parents with a disabled child must consider how to provide for their offspring once they have passed away. One...
Risks associated with charitable gift annuities
Like many people in California, you may consider donating to one or more charities within your estate plan. Some charitable institutions offer charitable gift annuities. These financial instruments allow you to earn a lifetime income from the investment of your...
Understand the differences between an estate and a trust
If you have many assets and live in California, planning for the future is essential. Creating an estate plan ensures that your assets go to chosen beneficiaries. Understanding the difference between a trust and your estate can help you decide how you want your assets...
