After the loss of a loved one, you will likely have to go through a legal process called probate to administer his or her estate. It can be overwhelming and intimidating, as you may not initially know who to contact, what’s required of you, or how the process works in general.  There are also a […]

While creating an estate plan with a Santa Clara will and trust lawyer, it’s nearly always advisable to include directives regarding medical treatment, incapacity, and end-of-life care. If you don’t outline your wishes for these particular scenarios, you may leave your family with the difficult responsibility of making these decisions for you.  Worse, they may […]

Many veterans and their families are unaware of the availability of the Aid and Attendance pension benefit for veterans over the age of 65 through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits can be used to help offset long-term care costs for older veterans who served during a period of war, whether that’s at home […]

When a decedent leaves behind unpaid debts, creditors have certain rights when it comes to reclaiming those debts. However, a creditor’s ability to enforce their rights could be significantly limited if they fail to enter their claim within the appropriate time frame. A creditor who enters a claim too late may lose the opportunity to […]

You’ve worked hard. You’ve built up a nice nest egg that you hope to someday leave to your kids. Your “ducks are in a row” and you’re in good financial standing. Do you need to worry about creditors getting their hands on your money? You just might! This is because the money that you leave […]

There are many reasons to establish a trust, chief among them is to ensure that your loved ones are provided for and that your wishes are honored if something happens to you. Establishing a trust also allows a greater level of control regarding the way your estate is handled after your death.  Below, our Santa […]

It is particularly important for single parents to prepare a proper estate plan, since they often face certain challenges that co-parents do not. Like all parents, single parents want to ensure that their children are properly provided for in the event of their passing. But unlike co-parents, a single parent cannot presume that a surviving […]

Autism and other conditions can affect people throughout their whole lives, and some may need assistance throughout adulthood. However, in the eyes of the law all adults who reach the age of majority become independent and are presumed to have the ability to make their own decisions, including financial decisions. Some adults with special needs […]

Death or incapacitation can creep up on anyone, especially when they least expect it. The burden of handling an estate or financial affairs that can fall on your family may be extremely heavy, even more so if you didn’t leave them in a situation where they’re thoroughly prepared. So if you’re ready to get your […]

A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most misunderstood tools of estate planning, especially since many people associate trusts with the extremely wealthy and the term “trust funds.” But Santa Clara County trust attorneys will tell you that Revocable Living Trusts can be created by just about anyone looking to make an estate plan […]