Probate court is primarily recognized for overseeing settlement proceedings of decedents’ estates. However, this court also handles legal issues pertaining to minor aged children, the elderly, and individuals with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities. The role of probate court is to protect the rights of individuals and ensure probate laws are followed during estate reconciliation. Although […]
read moreWhen it comes time to prepare Wills, people often make an array of excuses to put it off. They think it takes too long or is too costly or that they don’t own anything of value so there’s no point. The truth of the matter is executing legal Wills ensures your estate is settled according […]
read moreTrying to find a good attorney in California can feel like locating a needle in a haystack. With more than 160,000 practicing lawyers it’s helpful to know where to find one that’s suitable for your needs. Five common ways to locate an attorney in California are personal referrals, lawyer referral services, legal aid agencies, prepaid […]
read moreA deed of trust is a legal document needed to record real estate used as collateral to secure financing. The deed is filed through county recorder’s office and creates a first lien on the property. Once the loan is paid in full the lien is removed and the deed is no longer needed. A little […]
read moreBusiness owners who fail to engage in business succession could find themselves in a dire situation if emergencies arise. This strategy is especially important to sole proprietors and small business owners because it authorizes a person to take control and keep the company afloat. Setting up a business succession plan isn’t difficult, but does necessitate […]
read moreArranging a revocable trust is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect assets. By transferring ownership of property to a trust the estate bypasses the probate process and assets can be gifted to beneficiaries soon after death. Most people prefer a revocable trust because the terms can be changed when needed. Trusts […]
read moreThis year brings big changes to estate tax, making it more important than ever to engage in estate planning strategies. One of the primary changes is the exclusion amount which declines from $5.12 million to $1 million. Another is the tax rate which increases from 25 percent to 40 percent. Not only do estate tax […]
read moreEvery business owner should engage in succession planning and prepare for the future of their company. This strategy is needed to identify key personnel who will take over at a later time and ensure the company continues to grow when senior management retires or moves on. Owners who engage in succession planning have a much […]
read moreAny person who owns property or a business needs to engage in asset protection strategies. Otherwise, assets they have worked years to acquire could be taken away in the event of a liability or personal injury lawsuit. Establishing asset protection not only safeguards property, but also provides peace of mind. Unfortunately, we live in a […]
read morePeople find trusts one of the most confusing aspects of estate planning and with good reason. There are various kinds of trusts used to address individuals’ unique needs. Some are to protect inheritance for young children, others are needed for business owners, and yet others are setup to offset estate taxes. Most people setup trusts […]
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