Too often, individuals will develop a comprehensive estate plan and avoid making any revisions after significant life events occur. From a change in marital status to the loss of a loved one, an estate plan is a set of documents that should be reviewed and revised...
What are the key aspects of an estate plan?
While every individual has a unique situation, most people need an estate plan with several key elements. Understanding these items can help you craft a plan that allows your heirs to fulfill your wishes. Review the important aspects of estate planning for California...
Medi-Cal asset and income limits
When it comes to government aid for estate planning and elder care, California's Medicaid program Medi-Cal is one of the most available resources. Long-term care, whether at home, a nursing home or in assisted living is a service that many seniors require in their...
Planning your estate with a young family to care for
Contrary to what you may hear, you do not have to have lots of wealth or be nearing retirement to plan your estate in California. Taking a proactive approach to planning for your future can give you optimal control over your assets and the things that are important to...
Who are key figures in your estate plan?
When creating and reviewing your estate plan, you should always keep several key parts in mind. They often include your assets and financial information, your key figures, and key components. Key figures often hold particular importance. But who are these people, and...
How do first- and third-party special needs trusts differ?
When your child has a disability, you may need to take extra estate planning steps to make sure any assets you leave behind do not make your child ineligible for government help. Many California parents of children who have special needs establish special needs...
What happens if you do not have an estate plan?
If you are like most people, you do always not want to think about your estate plan. You do, however, need to think about it for the sake of your legacy. According to Huffington Post, there are several consequences to not having an estate plan. Lack of control If...
What are the benefits of a living trust?
Whether you are starting a family or are retiring from work, you may want to think about organizing your estate. An unexpected accident may leave you incapcitated and unable to make arrangements. Yet, with an estate plan in place, you can rest assured that your...
How should you handle digital assets in an estate plan?
In the past, you would not consider your online accounts as important when working on an estate plan. Old websites or account logins were less consequential after a person died. That is not the case anymore. Now, you should always include digital assets in your...
Steps to take when a loved one dies unexpectedly
When a family member unexpectedly dies, his or her loved ones experience shock, disbelief, sadness and other challenging emotions as they grieve. Eventually, however, practical considerations arise and the family must address the deceased person's estate. This...
