Estate Administration & Probate

There's a line often repeated about a wealthy man who passes away. One friend asks the other friend "how much did he leave?" to which the response is "everything he had." No matter the vast wealth one possesses in California, it remains behind when a person dies....

People make plans and set goals in order to achieve success in life. Plans and goals can also be established in order to effect a smooth transition that will simplify matters after death for the person's loved ones. Successful planning can reduce costs of estate...

Estate planning is a term that most people are familiar with but there are aspects that people may not be familiar with in California. One of these is probate and how it can impact an estate one wishes to leave for loved ones. Probate is the process that a will must...

Most people in California have some awareness  of the importance of having an estate plan, in part due to the recent passing of notable people who did not have one and the chaos that resulted around the resolution of their estates. What people may not be aware of is...

Estate planning provides the means to provide for the settlement of one's estate once the individual dies. Because family structures have changed considerably over the years, it is worth taking a closer look at what asset distribution can look like when considering...

Another year is winding down. As the season changes, it is typically a time to review the year almost passed and contemplate the year to come. It is also a good time to take a look at one's estate assets and review plans that are in place or establish a plan if one is...

Once an estate plan is established in California, it is advisable that the documents be reviewed and updated as needed. Such updates would be recommended in the event of a major life event such as the birth of a child, a significant change in finances or a significant...

Americans are living longer and healthier lives. As a result, some families in California neglect to review estate plans or to even establish one in the first place. When a parent becomes ill and death may appear imminent, children may find themselves confronted with...

Few things in life are certain, with death and taxes noted as exceptions.  Most families in California wish to leave a legacy for their heirs but not all of them successfully prepare for it. Estate planning can alleviate many ill feelings and legal ramifications....

Families in California with considerable assets have multiple options when creating an estate plan. One of these is how Individual Retirement accounts (IRA) allow one to distribute the asset to one's heirs after one's death. The heirs are required to take a minimum...