You will often hear of talk about why you should take steps to avoid having your estate end up in probate court being divided and distributed by the approval of a judge. Those with the knowledge of how this process works will be the ones leading the charge when it comes to avoiding probate. And…
If you are a parent, or a soon-to-be parent, you know the love we hold for our children is unlike anything else. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my children and I’m willing to bet you feel the same as well. This article is for the parents out there wondering if they have done…
We have spoken extensively in this blog about the importance of establishing a trust to ensure the disposition of your estate is done in accordance to your wishes. Employing a trust as your tool for distributing your estate is by far the easiest method of managing your affairs. But what does that all look like?…
When a person creates a trust, they are referred to as the trust grantor. A grantor may set up their trust for an infinite number of reasons. This is what makes a trust so exciting because it can work to accomplish nearly every goal you have with your estate. It can be used as a…
The answer to this may surprise you. Especially coming from an attorney whose living is made drafting estate plans for families in the Rocklin and Roseville area where many families have made the decision to plan for their future. And the answer is a resounding no. You do not need an attorney to draft your…
Today, February 18, 2020, is National Drink Wine Day. In honor of such an important day of recognition, we have decided to write on a topic that some may confuse with the art of wine tasting, decanting. While many wines get better with age, the same cannot be said for some irrevocable trusts. Maybe you’re…
When you establish a trust with your estate planning attorney, you will name someone to be the trustee. A trustee does what you do right now with your financial affairs – collect income, pay bills and taxes, save and invest for the future, buy and sell assets, provide for your loved ones, keep accurate records,…
After the 2018 passing of the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, her family and lawyer initially thought she had died without a will. But earlier this year, three handwritten wills—two from 2010 that were locked in a cabinet and one from 2014 that was hidden under a couch cushion—were found in Franklin’s home in Detroit. Franklin’s…
Even if you are currently the picture of good health, you may suddenly become too ill to make healthcare decisions for yourself or become unconscious after an accident, needing someone to stand in your shoes to make those decisions for you. A medical power of attorney is a crucial part of your estate plan that…
Estate planning can be a very difficult process. While it’s not brain surgery, making the decision to move forward with the planning requires us to face the fact that we will not live forever, no matter what magic lotion or special diet you prescribe. This thought can stop most people right in their tracks. Others…
