In California, the words “separate property” have a very specific legal meaning and understanding it matters, especially when planning what happens at death. Many families assume everything automatically goes to a spouse or that “the trust will handle it,” but...
Many Californians create a living trust with a simple goal: make things easier for their family. But one issue catches families by surprise: What happens if the trust doesn’t have enough money to pay off debts, liens or mortgages at death, even when the trust says...
If you own real estate outside of California – maybe a cabin in Arizona, a rental in Nevada or a family home in another state – it’s worth asking one simple question: What happens to that property when I die? Many Californians assume their will or trust automatically...
Many people think estate planning is something only older adults or the wealthy need to worry about. The reality is that life can be unpredictable and even young adults should have a basic estate plan in place. College students, young couples – married or unmarried –...
For many Californians, pets are more than companions, they are beloved family members. But legally, pets are considered personal property under California law. This means that while a dog, cat or other animal cannot inherit money on its own, owners can make legal...
Estate planning can be complicated enough, but some clients push the limits with requests that are legally impossible, impractical or just plain risky. Estate planning attorneys have a professional duty to advise clients and, sometimes, to say “no.” And when they do,...
