Administering an individual's estate after their death can be challenging and complex, depending on whether there is a will. If a will exists, it can provide a level of guidance to the surviving family members on how to administer the estate. If not, the court can...
Compassionate And Competent
Year: 2023
Do I need to appoint a successor trustee?
One of the critical roles when establishing a trust is the trustee. This position has significant responsibilities, such as holding or managing assets for the grantor and beneficiaries. These duties also impose a high standard of honesty, transparency and integrity....
Do you need a power of attorney as part of your estate plan?
The future can bring unexpected events to your life, and it is in your interests to plan for these events, even if you do not think they will ever happen to you. Planning for contingencies is a critical aspect of protecting your legal and financial interests, and it...
Your rights as a beneficiary during a trust administration
It is common to feel unsure about your standing in legal processes such as trust administration. Nonetheless, knowing your rights will help you actively participate in enforcing them and ensure you are protected throughout the process. Right to reasonable information...
Common reasons for probate delays
While probate typically takes about six to nine months, the process can take longer for other estates due to certain circumstances causing delays. If you are an estate’s executor, administrator, heir or beneficiary, understanding the common reasons behind these delays...
Will your debt keep you from your estate planning goals?
One of the primary reasons why you decided to create an estate plan is likely because you want to have the final say over what happens to your property in the future. It is difficult to predict what will happen, but you can take certain steps that will allow you to...
Who should I name as a trustee?
Establishing a trust can help you manage your assets and ensure proper estate administration after your death. This process could have multiple steps essential to keeping your arrangement legally sound. One of the most crucial tasks you need to do throughout these...
What happens if I die without a will?
If a Californian dies without a will, their probate estate will get divided according to California’s laws of intestate succession. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, property held in trust will pass to the person’s heirs according to the terms of...
Addressing digital assets in an estate plan
One of the purposes of creating a comprehensive legal and financial strategy for the future is to ensure you have the final say over what happens to your property after you pass away. Through an estate plan, you can also plan for potential medical care needs you may...
What happens if an estate includes out-of-state properties?
Having multiple properties across the country can be a promising investment. Nevertheless, this can create concerns about what will happen to these assets if the property owner dies. Which state will have control over them? Will it be the decedent’s state of...