Probate Process Probate process basic steps. When someone passes away, their estate is generally required to go through probate unless there was a valid trust in place. It is a lengthy and often expensive process. Expensive not just in terms of the financial cost, but...
Reasons for having an insurance policy. Do you have life insurance? If not, have you considered purchasing some? Life insurance is one of the most important components of an estate plan. There are a number of reasons why you might consider incorporating life insurance...
Funding the trust with out-of-state property. Imagine your primary residence is in the state of California. But you also have a second home in Idaho and a piece of unimproved land in Nevada. Your California lawyer created a trust-based estate plan and funded your...
Estate planning for artists. Do any of the following apply to you? Do you create art as a hobby? While you might not be making money from your art, your work might nonetheless have value either later in your life or after you die. For that reason, it’s important that...
Do you own Cryptocurrency? Crypto and Estate Plan. Do you own cryptocurrency? If so, you may be wondering with all of the controversy if it is still a good investment. The answer is probably, but no one knows for sure. Some experts say the long-term cryptocurrency...
Studies estimate that 70 percent of family wealth is lost by the end of the second generation and 90 percent by the end of the third generation. To assist your loved ones in not becoming part of this statistic, you need to first educate them. Then, your job is to...
Can I disinherit my kids? Maybe. According to Tinsel Town, a parent can always disinherit their kids. But not so in the real world. In most instances, you can. However, that also depends on the state and the facts of your particular situation. Generally,...
To be valid and enforceable, a trust must be funded with assets of value, and it must have a purpose. In addition, it must have a trustee. The person who legally holds the assets. When you establish your trust, you are required to nominate your trustee. While not...
A common question often asked by people who want to hire an estate planning lawyer is, “How do I prepare for the first meeting?” Is the meeting in person? Is it virtual? Is it by phone? If it’s by phone, does the lawyer call me, or should I call them? What should I...