Experiencing major life changes means modifying your estate plan. When becoming a new parent, it is time to choose a guardian for your children in the event you and the other parent die. Thinking about a guardian is not a fun topic, but it prevents issues in the event...
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Estate Planning
3 common misconceptions about writing a will
Estate planning is an important task, but it is one that many people put off until later in life. Some choose not to write a will because they believe it is unnecessary for young adults, while others neglect to do so simply because they do not fully understand the...
What are some traits of a good executor?
Considering who will take care of your estate and talk to your beneficiaries after you die may seem like a big task. Knowing what skills and traits are a sign of a quality executor can allow you to find someone suited for this role. Thoughtful spending habits...
Why and how to choose a guardian for your child
Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is not just for the elderly. Adults of any age should consider making an estate plan, but it is especially important to you if you have minor children. If you and your children's other parent both died before they turned 18,...
Is it time to review your plan?
Making an estate plan serves as a time-consuming process, with a lot of difficult matters to cover. Most people feel relieved when they finally finish theirs. But finishing the estate plan is far from the end of maintaining it. In fact, the maintenance of an estate...
Revisiting your California estate plan amid divorce
As someone who created a California estate plan while married, you may want to take a second look at your plan if you and your husband or wife decide to go your separate ways. Many married individuals play significant roles in the estate plans of their spouses....
When do sibling conflicts lead to litigation?
Sibling conflicts are not an uncommon occurrence. They often happen between siblings of all ages and types and can range from mild to relationship-ruining. Of course, no matter the severity of the conflict, old hurts can always end up exacerbated during probate. This...
Do siblings take each other to court during probate?
Sibling rivalries will often happen, with many siblings experiencing disputes of varying degrees of intensity throughout their childhoods and even into adulthood. Certain things can come along that reopen old wounds, too. This is often the case when a parent dies and...
Should you have an advance directive?
When working on your estate plan, most of your time and energy goes into creating documents that will come into play after your death. But not every document works this way. Living wills, for example, go into effect while you are still alive. So do advance directives,...
Choosing between an irrevocable and revocable trust
Whether an irrevocable or a revocable trust works best for your purposes will depend on your objectives for creating one. Consider tax benefits, ownership, flexibility and debt when deciding between the two. While both trusts efficiently distribute assets to your...