Many Californians are single parents raising young children. In some cases, the other parent has passed away. Maybe the other parent has no custody rights. Perhaps they've chosen to have or adopt a child on their own. Whatever the case, it's essential to ensure that...
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Month: May 2019
Do I have a right to inherit from my parents?
If one or both of your parents have passed away, it is likely that they will have assets for distribution. As their child, you may expect that you will automatically be owed a share of the estate. While this is understandable, unfortunately, your right to inheritance...
Is a private family foundation right for you?
Many people who are creating their estate plans believe that they've given their children every advantage in life to become successful, financially independent adults. Instead of leaving them a substantial amount of money or other assets when they die, they prefer to...
Why revocable living trusts take precedence over wills
A comprehensive estate plan is often comprised of a number of documents. It's crucial that they don't contradict one another. This can cause confusion, delays and expense when it comes time for your executor(s) to settle your estate. Therefore, if you make changes to...
Understanding intestacy laws in California
It is recommended that people plan their estate as early as possible because passing away without a will can lead to complex issues. When a person dies without an estate plan, this is known legally as dying intestate. When a person in California dies intestate, their...
Estate planning for the ‘modern family’
If your family doesn't involve a spouse of the opposite sex and a couple of kids that you had together, you're not alone. Family dynamics have evolved considerably in recent decades. The term "modern family" has largely replaced "traditional family." A family can...
What is a CUTMA account?
Some important aspects of estate planning are done outside of "traditional" estate planning documents like wills and trusts. One of these involves something called the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Each state has its own UTMA. In California, it's called the...