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.

What is a financial power of attorney? It’s a document that gives someone else the power to make financial decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. It avoids going to probate court, and is a part of a comprehensive estate plan in California.

Terminology used in estate planning can be confusing. Here’s a summary of important terms to know.

Everyone over 18 years old needs some form of an estate plan in California.

The advance healthcare directive has two parts: the healthcare power of attorney and the instructions for wishes regarding treatment and care.

The key is: tell someone where your estate plan is located.

An 18 year old is an adult. Full stop.

A power of attorney is a vital tool to help ensure someone can make decisions for you if you’re unable to to do; you can also use a power of attorney in other contexts.

A power of attorney does something different than a trust does something different than a will. Here’s a summary of the most frequently used terms and their definitions.

Three reasons to estate plan now: you have more than $184,500 in assets; you have kids; or you want to make life easier for your loved ones if you’re incapacitated or deceased.

Estate planning is important to avoid cost, time, and headaches involved if you don’t plan!

You should regularly review your estate plan, but when? How often is it important to do that?

Why do married couples need to do an estate plan?

Who needs an estate plan? Who needs estate planning?

Estate Planning includes terms that aren’t used in daily life. Here are some quick definitions and explanations of frequently used terms.

Find out why 18 is the magic number for estate planning!