Estate disputes can happen for many different reasons and surrounding a variety of assets. In some cases, it’s just about money. A group of beneficiaries has been left a significant sum of money that will change their lives, and they can’t agree on how that money...
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Estate Planning
3 reasons to revoke power of attorney authority
During the estate planning process, establishing a power of attorney is a crucial part of ensuring one's affairs are managed effectively in the event of incapacity or other narrowly tailored circumstances. A power of attorney helps by granting authority to a trusted...
What to do if you can not find the decedent’s will
The single most important document to locate after a testator passes away is their will. Their will contains the testator’s last wishes, including instructions on how their estate should be managed, who should benefit from the estate and who is responsible for...
Can you contest a power of attorney?
Your loved one may have appointed an agent through a power of attorney (POA) to ensure their affairs are well managed if they become incapacitated. Therefore, you have a right to be concerned about the agent’s actions or even the validity of the POA. In such a case,...
How can I minimize estate taxes in California?
We all want to leave an inheritance to the people we care about when we die. This explains why most people write wills. Done right, a will can ensure that your assets pass down to your dependents per your wishes. However, estate taxes (besides probate costs) can eat...
Are heirs and beneficiaries the same?
If you’re planning for the future, then you may be thinking about making an estate plan. An estate plan allows you to anticipate your passing and instruct what happens to your assets afterward. The main legal document in your estate plan is your will. A will includes...
Do children have to pay their parents’ debts?
Many types of debts still have to be paid even if someone passes away. Tax debt is one example, as the government still may want payments for property taxes or income taxes. Another example could be a car loan or a home loan. There are also minor costs like utilities...
How does undue influence work in estate planning?
Undue influence isn’t something that is limited to estate planning, even though that’s where it often shows up. It just happens when one person uses a position of power to influence the other person to make a decision that is not in their own best interests or that...
This is the time to update your estate plan
California intestacy law dictates how assets held in your estate are allocated if you die without a will or a trust. State law may also take effect if your will or trust is found to be invalid for any reason. Therefore, it's important to review and update your estate...
How does ancillary probate work?
Sometimes the probate process that occurs after a person’s death can become much more complicated. This is often the case in the state of California where certain residents may own property that exists in other states. Navigating such a probate case can be difficult...