Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s estate after death. A person’s estate will be distributed accordingly to their inheritors if they leave a will or trust. During probate, the designated representative must submit an inventory of the deceased’s...
Compassionate And Competent
ESTATE PLANNING – Estate Administration & Probate
Updating your estate plan: When, why and how
In simple terms, an estate plan serves as your final instructions for how certain people would handle your finances and assets when you’re incapacitated or dead. Having an estate plan also helps streamline the probate process so that your assets are properly...
A good starting point for creating an estate plan
The future is unpredictable, which is why it is important for every adult to plan for the possibility of what will happen in case of incapacitation or after his or her death. It is not pleasant to think about these matters, but having a plan in place is beneficial for...
What’s in your living will?
One of the most complex aspects of planning for the future is considering what will happen in the event of your death or your incapacitation. These are complex and sensitive matters, but it is necessary to think about what could occur and what your preferences would...
The effect of transfer on death assets in an estate’s administration
When an individual dies, the assets they leave behind form their estate. Accordingly, their estate will go through an administration process, which involves collecting all assets, settling obligations and distributing the remaining properties to the deceased’s...
What is the order of priority when appointing an administrator?
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...
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...
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...
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...