If you have yet to create your estate plan, you may be tempted to try taking a shortcut by turning to easily located online legal forms such as DIY Wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents. After all, using a DIY Will should save you both time and money and finally get your estate plan started, right? It may seem that way to you; however, in the end, your loved ones may pay the price for your shortcut because of the hidden dangers in DIY Wills. Let's explore why a DIY may be declared … [Read more...] about Is a DIY Will Valid?
Wills
Proving Undue Influence in a California Will Contest
In the normal course of events, the terms of a decedent’s Last Will and Testament are made public shortly after his/her death. Usually, the terms are not surprising; however, occasionally the terms of the Will are not at all what was expected. In fact, it may be that the entire Will does not sound like something the decedent would have written. When that is the case, you could have the basis for a Will contest if you believe that those terms are the result of someone exerting “undue influence” … [Read more...] about Proving Undue Influence in a California Will Contest
Our Available Services During COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic
The health and safety of our clients, staff, and friends of the law firm are top of mind amid concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As estate planning and elder law attorneys, our practice is dedicated to serving our most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, those who are ill, disabled, experiencing mental health challenges and children with special needs. The uncertainty around the pandemic has many people with immune system challenges concerned about exposure to the … [Read more...] about Our Available Services During COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic
Covid-19 and Your Estate Plan
The COVID-19 crisis has caused many people to realize that life-changing events can happen unexpectedly and turn their lives upside down. The myriad of challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have given many pause to rethink their concerns and priorities. Estate planning is one area that should get attention, and possibly revision, as a result of the impact of current events . Here are some things to consider as you review your existing plan. Are all your estate planning documents up … [Read more...] about Covid-19 and Your Estate Plan
So You’ve Been Named the Executor of A Will. Now What?
Under ideal circumstances, you will know well ahead of time if someone plans to nominate you to be the executor in a Last Will and Testament. Of course we all know that life doesn't always present us with ideal circumstances. If you have recently been notified that someone died and nominated you to be the executor of the estate in his or her Will, you may be wondering what to do next. To begin with, you need to know that you are not required to accept the position of executor. You are free to … [Read more...] about So You’ve Been Named the Executor of A Will. Now What?
What’s the Difference between a Will and Living Will?
You’ve probably heard of the terms “will” and “living will.” However, if you are like most people, it may be confusing to fully understand the differences between these terms. While they are both very different, it is important to implement both into your estate planning. Take a look at what both of these legal documents offer: A will, also known as a last will and testament, is only effective after you die. It has no effect during your lifetime. A living will is only effective during … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference between a Will and Living Will?
How to Make a Legal Will
If you’re thinking about creating your will, you may have a lot of questions. This may include questions about what makes a will legal and valid. You want to make sure that your will meets all legal requirements so that your wishes are respected. Take a look at the information below to learn more. If you have any questions or if you’d like help creating a legally valid will, meet with an estate planning attorney. In order to create a will, you must be at least 18 years of age. … [Read more...] about How to Make a Legal Will
Dont End Up Rich, Famous, and Intestate
Many who have yet to create an estate plan tell themselves “When I become rich and famous I’ll do it because then I will really need one”. Surprisingly, many of the rich and famous still don’t get around to it, creating a legal nightmare when they die. Consider the following short list of rich and famous persons who failed to leave behind an effective estate plan. Abraham Lincoln: Despite being a lawyer himself, even the 16th President of the United States died intestate. Jimi Hendrix: … [Read more...] about Dont End Up Rich, Famous, and Intestate
The Government Estate Plan for Intestacy
If you are one of the millions of Americans who has failed to create an estate plan, you are officially signed up for the government estate plan. When you fail to execute as much as a Last Will and Testament or Living Trust prior to your death, your estate will be handled according to the government’s rules and laws since you are considered to have died intestate. So how does the government estate plan work? For starters, except for the most modest estates, it is likely that everything you … [Read more...] about The Government Estate Plan for Intestacy
Mistakes to Avoid in Your Will
A Last Will and Testament typically serves as the foundation of an estate plan. Although the concept of a Will is rather straight-forward, mistakes can – and often are -- still made during the creation of a Will. To help prevent you from making them, let's look at some common mistakes to avoid when creating your Will. Using a “DIY” Will form. It may seem as though you are saving both time and money using a DIY Will form that you find online. In reality, you are more likely to cost your loved … [Read more...] about Mistakes to Avoid in Your Will
