Every parent knows how important it is to select a guardian for minor children. Many parents find this decision to be terribly stressful. Here are some tips to help with deciding whom to nominate as the guardian of your child if neither parent is living (or if both parents became incompetent). In California, there are … Continue reading Nominating the Guardian of Your Minor Child
Due process and California law requires that your closest blood relatives* be notified by the person in charge of your estate if you died or became incompetent in each of these California contexts: If probate is required because you died without a will, your administrator must notify your heirs, as your heirs are those who … Continue reading Your Family Tree: Due Process in Estate Administration, Trust Administration, and Conservatorships
Often overlooked by parents are important legal needs of their children who are turning 18 and of those who are young adults. Yet each of the following parental concerns can be easily handled for California residents: Who will make medical decisions for your adult child if your child became unable to give informed consent to … Continue reading Estate Planning Advice for Parents of Young Adult Children
Even though California is a community property state, it does not mean that an inheritance received here is community property. For a married Californian, property received by gift or inheritance is separate property, not community property. For many parents, that fact alone is enough protection for a child’s inheritance. Perhaps most parents have confidence that their children … Continue reading Protecting Your Beneficiary’s Inheritance from the Spouse
If you have pets, consider including them in your estate plan. In doing so, your documents can address: Who will take your pets if you die or become incompetent? Who will find them a good home? How will the costs of your pets be handled? Regarding who will take your pets or who will find … Continue reading Planning for Your Pets