Most of us remember the phrase, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” It worked because it turned an uncomfortable conversation into an act of friendship. The same idea applies to estate planning. Our friends are often among the most important people in our lives....
When someone dies, their debts do not simply disappear – but they also do not automatically become the responsibility of their children or other beneficiaries. Understanding what happens to debt after death can prevent grieving families from paying bills they may not...
Many Americans dream of retiring overseas or splitting their time between the United States and another country. Whether you're relocating permanently, becoming a dual resident or simply spending several months each year abroad, one important question often gets...
One of the most common questions I receive is whether an adult child, sibling, friend or other trusted person may attend an estate planning meeting or pay for a loved one's estate plan. The answer is yes, but only with appropriate safeguards. Under California law, an...
One of the most common questions I receive is, "I already have a trust. I just need to make a few changes. Why would it cost so much?" It's a fair question. Many people assume that changing a few names, updating beneficiaries or replacing a successor trustee should be...
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that, if you have a living trust, there are no costs after you pass away. The truth is that both probate and trust administration involve legal and administrative work. The difference is that trust administration is usually...
