The inventory and appraisal is the first milestone to be passed in settling a decedent’s estate. An inventory and appraisal is relevant whether a decedent’s assets are held in the decedent’s name and/or held in the decedent’s living trust. The inventory serves more than one purpose. Let us discuss the relevance and preparation of the […]
posted on: August 1, 2024
Read MorePeople may borrow money from family members to purchase real property. They often promise or agree to repay the loan over years and to repay the balance when the real property is sold. What happens if the debtor dies with an unpaid balance? The answer depends whether the debtor did to protect the lender’s interest […]
posted on: July 19, 2024
Read MoreSome types of assets are difficult to sell or to distribute to the beneficiaries when settling a decedent’s probate or trust estate. Recognizing such assets and considering the foreseeable difficulties may prompt action during the owner’s life and avoid leaving problems behind. Let us discuss some scenarios. Time shares are notoriously difficult to sell or […]
posted on: July 19, 2024
Read MoreThe life estate and the right of occupancy are two specific estate planning tools that can be used to provide for family members (or friends) who depend on another person’s estate planning to give them a place to live. They may be created during life or at death by means of a will or trust. […]
posted on: June 19, 2024
Read MoreGifts in a decedent’s will or trust fall into any of three categories: General, specific and residuary. A will or trust may involve some or all of these categories. Let us discuss each category. A general gift is a gift of a sum of money to an individual or a charity. For example, “I leave […]
posted on: June 6, 2024
Read MoreThe revocable living trust has become increasingly important for California residents who receive Medi-Cal benefits. Medi-Cal has a variety of different programs, including the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (“MAGI”) Medi-Cal for persons between 18 and 65 years old, various different Community Based Medi-Cal programs (for the aged, blind, disabled, medically needy, and working disabled), and […]
posted on: June 1, 2024
Read MoreCalifornia law allows handwritten wills to be valid as, “holographic wills” if they meet the requirements of section 6111 of the Probate Code. That a person can informally write a handwritten will means that anyone who is unable, for any reason, to see an attorney in a timely manner can nonetheless legally express their testamentary […]
posted on: April 29, 2024
Read MoreIn addition to signing all necessary estate planning documents to put one’s affairs in order, it is necessary to consider what additional information will be needed by the persons carrying out the estate plan when the time comes. First, it is necessary for the individual named to carry out the estate plan to know that […]
posted on: April 11, 2024
Read MoreSome adult children live with their parents. Perhaps they returned home after a divorce, the loss of a job, due to a disability, and perhaps they never left. Often the parents providing free rent and utilities and even food and money to cover transportation and insurance. The children may take care of household chores. What […]
posted on: March 22, 2024
Read MoreHaving your estate planning – that is, your living trust, your will, and your designation of death beneficiary forms – up to date is crucial to securing the wellbeing of you and your family in the event of your incapacity (illness) and when you die, either one of which may come unexpectedly. Life is dynamic: […]
posted on: February 19, 2024
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