A few weeks ago, we discussed how adult children -- or anyone in a family setting -- might approach uncomfortable topics related to an aging relative's inability to care for himself or herself. We noted in that post that guardianships or conservatorships might be an...
San Diego Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
When a will does the job, why would you go the extra mile and set up a trust in California? The quick answer is that a will doesn't always do the job, and there are some benefits of setting up trusts that can be important depending on your situation.One of the most...
For many people, an important step in the estate planning process is talking to family members about financial situations and what the plans for the future are. Money can be a volatile topic no matter how much you have, and many people are nervous to broach such...
When you think of estate planning, you probably think of considerations such as wills, funeral plans and what you want to leave behind for heirs. While all of those are valid considerations for your estate plan, don't forget to make plans for the years before those...
A Form 1041 is a form published by the Internal Revenue Service that provides the executors of estates or administrators of trusts the ability to report estate or trust income. Note that reporting estate or trust income is different than reporting income for a...
Depending on the circumstances, family reactions to a loved one passing away can differ greatly. If someone dies at a very old age, grief is often softened by the knowledge that the person is no longer suffering. If the death is sudden, family and friends can be in...
The lyrics of a little lullaby about a cat went viral once they made an appearance in the sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." The song, often sung to calm one of the show's characters, became a hit with fans, who flocked to purchase merchandise featuring the lyrics. Now, a...
Over the past few weeks, we've addressed some of the steps you can take for yourself and your family regarding estate planning. But what steps can you take to ensure your pets are cared for if you are incapacitated or pass away? It might seem like a silly question to...
Last week, we talked about a woman from another country who was so upset with heirs, she chose to physically destroy her money rather than pass it on to grandchildren. While that was an extreme case, it's not uncommon for individuals to be displeased with decisions or...
Understanding the legal requirements for estate planning and probate for your state can help you plan accordingly. By knowing what the law requires, you can create an estate plan that is likely to stand up in court while coming as close to your wishes as possible. For...