2016 September

How to Get Ahead of Your Estate Planning

Estate planning seems like an insurmountable challenge when you are not sure how to get started. That’s why it should come as no surprise that about 70% of Americans have no will and have done no estate planning. Unfortunately, leaving estate planning until later can have serious consequences. A lack of proper estate planning leaves chaos behind for your loved ones after you pass on. Not only will you have no say in how your possessions are passed on, but you’ll also have no way to help them minimize the burden of a lengthy probate made worse due to a lack of a trust. Luckily, you can avoid these problems and get ahead of your estate planning today with just [...]

Your Basic California Probate Checklist

After someone you love has passed away, it is a stressful time. Dealing with your grief and settling their affairs take time and effort, and drains you emotionally. If you are named as an executor, this stress increases exponentially, especially since many executors have no experience with the legal system or the probate courts. Knowing the key probate steps that you need to take can help you settle your loved one’s estate more simply and quickly. The following California probate checklist can help you determine the basic steps you need to take in order, whether on your own or with the help of an experienced California probate lawyer. Of course, this California probate checklist is by no means comprehensive. Every [...]