There are those who are under the impression that the government will simply absorb ownership of your assets if you pass away without leaving behind a will. Someone who does so is said to die "intestate," and though intestacy is not something that you'd want to aim for there are in fact rules of descent in place to determine who would inherit your personal possessions. For example, if you are married your husband or wife would be the individual who naturally assumes possession of your … [Read more...] about Unmarried Couples Need An Estate Plan
Estate Planning
Estate Planning for Singles
One of the most pervasive and dangerous myths about estate planning is the belief that it does not become necessary until you marry and/or become a parent. This simply is not true. Estate Planning Is About More Than Your Death One reason that so many people think an estate plan isn’t necessary for a single adult is the also mistaken belief that estate planning is all about death. While it is true that estate planning helps to ensure that your estate assets are distributed according to … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Singles
Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
It’s tempting to think that by taking the time to hand-write your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you can avoid many of the issues that arise with a Will. In fact, the opposite may be true. By handwriting your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you may be creating more issues for your family. My friend and colleague, Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has shared her thoughts. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
With Whom Should You Discuss Your Estate Plan?
There are many number of decisions that must be made when you are creating your estate plan. Along with decisions that directly concern the plan itself, you will also, at some point, need to decide whether or not to share any of the details of the plan with anyone else. As with all decisions related to your estate plan, this is a decision only you can make; however, whether or not you share any of the details may depend, to some extent, on whom you are considering sharing the … [Read more...] about With Whom Should You Discuss Your Estate Plan?
The Best Way to Protect Your Minor Child in Your Estate Plan
Having at least a basic estate plan in place is beneficial to every adult. If you are the parent of a minor child, however, your need for a comprehensive estate plan increases dramatically. A Sacramento estate planning attorney at the Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law explains the best way to protect your minor child in your estate plan. Having a Child Changes Your Goals and Priorities Before you became a parent, your primary estate planning goals likely … [Read more...] about The Best Way to Protect Your Minor Child in Your Estate Plan
Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Since the creation of Individual Retirement Accounts in 1971, they have become an increasingly important part of a well-balanced Estate Plan. Taxpayers contribute to the IRA. Upon attaining a certain age, the taxpayer begins taking distributions based upon tables promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service recently updated those tables which will significantly impact certain taxpayers. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has looked into … [Read more...] about Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Start 2022 the Right Way
The New Year gives us an opportunity to start fresh. If you don’t yet have an estate plan, now’s a great time to make an appointment with an Estate Planning attorney to talk about your goals and concerns. If you already have one, the New Year gives you an opportunity to review it to ensure that it still accomplishes your goals or to make any necessary changes. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has shared her thoughts on the topic. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about Start 2022 the Right Way
Estate Planning for the Single Parent
Every adult should have at least a basic estate plan in place; however, if you are a single parent the need to have a plan in place is significantly increased. To help you better understand why that is, let's explore the common estate planning concerns for the single parent. What Can an Estate Plan Do for Me as a Single Parent? If you are a single parent, you already know what a difficult job it is. Raising a child by yourself presents challenges that only someone who has done it can … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for the Single Parent
Why Is Estate Liquidity Important?
For many people, the impetus to create an estate plan comes from the desire to protect and provide for loved ones. The primary objective of your estate plan may be the creation of a plan for the distribution of your assets upon your death; however, simply devising a plan to distribute your assets to loved ones may not be enough to ensure that your loved ones are protected and provided for if something happens to you. For example, have you thought about the impact estate liquidity will have on … [Read more...] about Why Is Estate Liquidity Important?
The Importance of Insuring Real Estate
Transferring real estate to a trust has become a widely used tool in estate planning. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overlook important aspects of the transfer that lead to unintended consequences. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, reveals how, with careful planning, you can avoid these traps. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Importance of Insuring Real Estate
