By definition, if an estate plan is triggered, it is because of the death or serious disability of a family member or close friend. Therefore, most estate plans are administered during periods of great grief and mourning. Those who survive the deceased are charged not... Continue
Not all durable power of attorney forms are created equal. First, let’s clarify what a durable power of attorney form (DPOA) is, and what it does for you. A DPOA form allows you to designate a trusted person, often your spouse or adult child, to... Continue
First let me say that I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. This article is meant to discuss what I refer to as sudden incapacity, in a legal context and not a medical one. The concept of legal incapacity is... Continue
I am often asked “What do I need to bring to my first estate planning meeting?” Although clients don’t “need” anything, I often explain that certain decisions need to be made --decisions that I can’t help them make before the first meeting. I can help them... Continue
Trusts are assets, at least you should think of them that way. Trusts are like any other assets we own -- they must be maintained after we buy them. If you keep them tuned up and give them some TLC, you’ll get more out of... Continue
Many California residents own real estate outside of the state. They may have a second home in Arizona, an investment property in Oregon, a shared condominium in Nevada or a timeshare in Hawaii. Why is this important? Because your state of domicile, which is the... Continue
One question I often get is, “When should I update my estate planning documents?” While there is no hard and fast rule, there are some suggestions about when you should consult with your attorney or simply review the documents yourself to see if they need... Continue
In the age of the internet, just about anything you can think of (and quite a few things you wouldn’t dream of) can be bought, sold, prepared or conceived of online. Not surprisingly, you can even prepare your estate plan online. But should you? Right... Continue
By definition, if an estate plan is triggered, it is because of the death or serious disability of a family member or close friend. Therefore, most estate plans are administered during periods of great grief and mourning. Those who survive the deceased are charged not... Continue
Many potential clients I meet with tell me that they are “not ready” to create a will yet. For one reason or another, they are not able to commit to a decision. It is this mentality that keeps them from creating any sort of estate... Continue