Why Plan Now
Demystifies the estate planning process and encourages folks to plan now. Covers wills and trusts, probate, special needs planning, and charitable giving, with a focus on California law.
Author: Adrienne Newsom is a solo practitioner in Los Angeles.
Blawg Related Categories: Trusts & Estates • States • California • Solo / Small Firm
Recent Posts from Why Plan Now
-
The Family Vacation Home
Families with fond memories of a vacation home place significant value on that property, wanting to keep the vacation home "in the family." They envision their grandkids sharing the family vacation home and creating their…
-
Blended Family Basics
Demographers predict that blended families (stepfamilies) will be the most common type of family by the year 2015. Yet, very few resources focus on assisting this kind of family with life and estate planning. What…
-
Missing or Lost Deed?
All is not lost. To order a missing or lost grant deed, it helps if you have your property’s legal description. You can find this online by conducting a property search on the county assessor’s…
-
Conservator Clues
A "conservator" is a court-appointed individual assigned to handle the affairs of those who are unable to make financial or medical decisions for themselves (the "conservatee"). For example, a conservatee may suffering from a severe…
-
Passing the Torch with a Letter of Intent
A Letter of Intent or Memorandum of Intent (Memo) communicates useful information about the person for whom you have created a special needs trust, “your beneficiary.” Even if you have not created a special needs…
-
What's So Special About A Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust is not so special if the government programs your loved one qualifies for do not have restrictions on holding assets. For example, you don’t need a special needs trust to protect…
-
Probate Is Not Always Bad
Although many people try to avoid probate, the probate process may be useful in certain situations. For example, if you fail to transfer assets into a living trust, probate may be needed following the death…
-
Probate De-Mystified
Probate is the process of passing title to property from the deceased person to his or her beneficiaries’ or creditors. Probate, Latin for ‘to prove’ involves proving the validity of a will (if there is…
-
A Good Intention Gone Wrong
You might think that naming your spouse as the primary beneficiary on your life insurance, followed by your kids as secondary beneficiaries, is a great idea. But what happens if you and your spouse “ride…
-
Why Plan Your Estate Now?
Planning your estate can seem intimidating. Some people don't want to talk about the inevitable. Other people feel confused and don't know what are their options. Some people feel they don't have an "estate" worth…