Owning a vineyard is more than a full-time job. It may also be a passion and can be a way of life. From maintaining the right genetics for your fruit to crafting unique blends based on the harvest each year, you probably take great pride in your business. You would...
Estate Planning
If you have pets, you need a pet trust in your estate plan
Even people who give a great deal of thought and time to their estate planning can neglect to ensure that their pets will be cared for after they die or become incapacitated. They get a “promise” from a family member or friend that they’ll give them a good home....
The pros and cons of a revocable living trust
Most people recognize that they need a will, a financial POA and a health care directive and proxy. But many people are not sure whether or not a revocable trust is a good idea given their situation. A revocable trust is created during the lifetime of the maker of the...
Wills or family trusts?
Many California residents think that establishing a valid will can eliminate their concerns regarding protecting family assets in the event of their untimely death. However, this is not always the case. Even a seemingly valid will can be contested by a potential...
Is it time to revise estate plans?
Putting together an estate plan requires significant time and effort. Upon signing the various documents, the planner may feel some relief about getting things done. However, it might be premature to assume California estate planning won't require any revisitation....
How a joint tenancy could help
California families should do what they can to avoid probate because it can be a difficult and time-consuming process. One way to keep assets out of probate is to put them in a joint tenancy arrangement. This puts the property in the name of two or more owners. Joint...
What happens when someone dies without a will in California?
Most people have heard their whole life of the importance of creating an estate plan. Some people, for whatever reason, put off creating a will until it’s too late – perhaps because an accident or unforeseen circumstances took them from this world before they were in...
Planning for incapacity
If you have an elder living in California, you may benefit from learning more about planning for incapacity. Unlike retirement or estate planning, incapacity planning is preparing for the possibility, rather than the inevitable. Incapacity is defined as the inability...
Estate planning for wealthy families
Estate planning for wealthy individuals can be a complicated process. Individuals with wealth need to consider taxes, confidentially, and other matters more than people with less assets. Individuals in California and other states should keep have considerations in...
