Category Archives: Estate Planning Basics 101
What does Estate Planning Mean?
Estate Planning is a general term to describe the planning, administration and distribution of your assets during incapacity or death. The term “estate” is often confused to refer to a large home or someone with a large amount of assets. But an estate is simply the assets you own at any given point in… Read More »
How do I do Estate Planning?
Completing your Estate Planning falls into four general categories: 1) Do It Yourself; 2) online generated forms; 3) paralegals and lawyers with a general legal practice; and 4) Estate Planning Specialists. As you can imagine, the initial cost increases as the level of expertise goes up. The total cost to you and your family… Read More »
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?
So you have decided it is time to set up your estate plan. One of the first questions you will likely research is “how much does estate planning cost?” Like you, we are also consumers of goods and services, and in order to make an educated purchase, price is often an important factor to… Read More »
Do You Need to Update or Amend Your Trust? 6 Reasons to Amend Your Trust
Do You Need to Update or Amend Your Trust? So you’ve been proactive in creating a Trust for you and your loved ones, but is now the time to amend your Trust? Here are 6 reasons to amend your Trust: 1. Your Children Are Now Adults Most people first consider estate planning when they have young children. … Read More »
Do I Need an Estate Plan?
The first question I often get when people learn that I am an estate planning attorney in Orange County is: “Do I need an estate plan? I’m not rich.” The simple answer is yes. Let’s first start with what exactly an estate is, what it is not, and then we can discuss planning. What… Read More »
Estate Planning Without Children
The need for estate planning without children is not always immediately evident. Most people think about estate planning from the perspective of what happens when you die. While this is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed in your estate plan, it is not necessarily the most important issue for you. If you don’t have… Read More »
Estate Planning for Blended Families (Second Marriage)
Estate Planning for Blended Families Estate planning for blended families requires addressing issues specific to the blended family scenario. What is a Blended Family? Generally, in the estate planning world, the term “blended family” is used to describe a family where there is one or more step-children. This can take several forms: 1) Second… Read More »
Estate Planning for Expecting Parents
So you’ve gone from bachelor(ette), to the perfect (or not-so-perfect) married couple, and now the perfectly prepared expecting parents. You’ve read all the baby books you could find, and after hours of research, you have purchased the perfect stroller, crib and car seat. You’re ready! Or are you? Expecting parents often overlook the need… Read More »
Estate Planning for California Community Property
When we meet with married couples, one of the many important topics we discuss is estate planning for California community property and separate property. As many of us know, California, unlike most states, is considered a community property state. Most people assume, incorrectly, if you are married, then all of your property is community… Read More »
Adding Your Child to Title on Your House to Avoid Probate – Good Idea?
Should You Add Your Child to Title or House Deed to Avoid Probate? The simple answer is no. First, let’s discuss why many of you are considering adding your child to title. Someone, perhaps an estate planning attorney, has told you that when you die, your assets go through probate. There are certain assets… Read More »
