FAQ in California Estate Planning

The probate process in California is lengthy and costly. Here are the steps involved — and how to avoid it!

When should you create an estate plan? When you’re 18, when you have a kid, when you accumulate assets, when you retire… anytime!

Healthcare Powers of Attorney, also called Advanced Healthcare Directives can be incredibly confusing. This guide will help explain the purpose and details.

Selecting a guardian for your minor children is incredibly difficult. This guide provides some helpful tips to consider!

Business succession planning is an important component of estate planning.

In theory you can name your trust whatever you want; in practicality, your last name is usually the best course.

There are several ways to create an estate plan to make sure your pets are cared for when you die.

Probate court handles matters involving incapacity and death. It’s expensive, takes a long time, and it’s public.

Disinheriting means excluding a family member from receiving anything from your estate. And it’s important you do it correctly.

The cost of probate in California is based on the gross assets of the person who died.

In general, you should review your estate plan every 3-5 years to make sure it’s still working for you!

In general, the recipient of your assets doesn’t have to pay taxes, but let’s explain how taxes and estate planning work together.

Putting assets into the trust is a critical step to making sure your loved ones avoid probate court.

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.

Probate court takes 18-24 months usually because of the steps that need to be taken and the court hearing schedule.

The first, and most important thing you need to do when someone dies is grieve.

Guest post: An end-of-life doula can help someone who is dying and the family members of the person dying; learn more about what it means to be an end of life doula.

Finding an attorney can be intimidating; but the right attorney shouldn’t intimidate you! Especially not when it comes to estate planning.