In California, married couples have what's known as a spousal fiduciary duty to one another under the state's Family Code. According to the code, the marital relationship "imposes the duty of the highest good faith and fair dealing on each spouse, and neither shall...
We are your Southern California partner in estate administration and estate protection.
Month: May 2017
What is an incentive trust?
Parents and grandparents generally feel fortunate when they have considerable assets to pass on to younger generations in their family. However, how can you assure that they'll handle their inheritances wisely? Even responsible people can lose perspective when they...
Sibling disputes and how they give way to probate litigation
When a family member dies, even the closest of siblings can become estranged, especially when money or property is at stake. Probate issues have a way of bringing out siblings' stubbornness and reviving contentious emotional discussions as well. Because most siblings...
Dying intestate: What it means for your family
You always meant to get around to writing a will, but you never did. Now, in the aftermath of your death, your family is learning that not having a will can cause trouble. When you die without a will, the laws of intestate succession determine who inherits your...
Protecting your children’s inheritances if they divorce
If you're drafting your estate plan with the intention of leaving some or all of your assets to your adult children, it's essential to talk to them about their inheritances once you've determined what you are going to leave them. For many families, this may be the...
What are some points to consider after a loved one’s death?
There are a lot of things that you have to handle when a loved one passes away. You may have to make the final arrangements. You might have to handle other duties, as well. If you are the executor of the estate, or even if you are just a concerned heir, you will have...
Why should you have an advanced health care directive?
If you're a Californian doing your estate planning, it's essential to understand that it can, and maybe should, involve more than a will and other documents that detail how you want your assets disbursed after your death. For example, you can designate your wishes for...