Does property tax go up if you put your house in a living trust? It depends on title and on ownership. Generally, your ownership can go into your living trust without triggering a property reassessment.

Most people think of only burial or cremation as options when they die, but there are four options in California — and you can decide in advance which you’d prefer for your body.

Where should you store your estate planning documents? Somewhere safe, but probably not IN a safe. Learn more about where and how to store documents in this blog post.

Choosing a guardian for minor children can be difficult! Here are some things to think about as you make this choice.

What should you do first when a loved one dies? Unpopular answer: grieve. And then check here for where to start.

What taxes will my family pay when I die? We break down the three types of taxes for estate planning — and you can see which may (or may not) be applicable to you in California.

An executor and a successor trustee are responsible for making sure that assets get where they’re supposed to go when they’re supposed to get there.

It’s important to define the terms that we use regularly: power of attorney, trust, will, and incapacity. The power of attorney, trust, and will are part of a comprehensive estate plan that ensures your family is protected during incapacity and at the time of death.

When is the best time to start your estate plan? TLDR: As soon as you’re an adult (18 years old), you’ll need to designate someone else to make decisions for you if you are unable or unwilling to make those decisions for yourself.

If you don’t have an estate plan, then your loved ones are going to have a tough time if you are ever incapacitated and at the time that you die. In this post, we explore what would be helpful to have at different stages.

Why do I need a Living Trust — and What is a Living Trust Anyway? A living trust is like a contract you create with yourself about what is going to happen to your assets if you are incapacitated and at the time that you die. It avoids probate court, is a private document, and ensures incapacity planning.

Do you need a trust if you have a will in California? Most people do, and here’s why: it allows for incapacity planning and it avoids probate court.

Ensure your medical wishes are honored. Learn why every Californian needs a healthcare power of attorney (Advance Directive) for medical decision-making.

Protect your finances in case of incapacity. Learn why every Californian needs a durable financial power of attorney to avoid costly conservatorship.

Even with a living trust, every Californian still needs a will. Learn why a pour-over will and guardianship provisions are essential in estate planning.

Transfer on Death Deeds are generally frowned upon as best practices in California estate planning. Here are the problems with TOD deeds, and why a comprehensive estate plan is a better choice.

Learn why a living trust in California is the best way to avoid probate, protect your assets, and keep your estate private

Avoid probate and protect your family with a comprehensive estate plan in California. Learn why you need a trust, will, financial POA, and healthcare POA

California’s New Probate Relief for Primary Residences: What You Need to Know about AB 2016 and Avoiding Probate

If you’ve got kids who are under 18, you need to select a guardian; here are tips for how to choose those people.