Right now, there are billions of dollars worth of unclaimed property across the United States. This is because sometimes a person dies without having accounted for all their assets, which they may have accidentally forgotten or abandoned. The good news is that it is often possible for family members or estate administrators to locate and […]

Women face unique challenges when establishing their estate plans. Your needs and values may be different than those of your male counterparts. Creating a solid estate plan involves addressing these issues so that you don’t face hardships years down the road. While no one wants to dwell on what their death will look like or […]

Estate planning can seem overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to leaving assets to minors. Often, parents or grandparents want to include children (or grandchildren) in their estate plan and leave an inheritance for them. Yet, how can you give a gift to a minor and ensure that they will get it? Can you […]

If you are a first responder—police officer, firefighter, EMT, etc.—you put your life at risk every day when you go to work. Beyond the workplace, the high level of occupational stress also puts you at greater risk for long-term health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, cancer, and suicide. That is why first […]

If you are a widow or widower, meeting a new partner after the death of a spouse can bring a mixed bag of emotions. Having a refreshed sense of hope about the future in the wake of a major loss may even feel exciting and invigorating. However, as unromantic as it might seem, it is […]

If your estate plan includes a revocable living trust, that plan typically includes a pour-over will to ensure that any remaining assets transfer to your trust when you die. This can simplify the probate process, saving your family time and money. Managing the deceased person’s finances can be an added stress for a family during […]

Creating a trust can be a vital part of the estate planning process. A trust can protect your assets and benefit the family members who receive them. It’s critical to understand state laws and the steps you need to take to create a trust. Common errors can invalidate someone’s trust and prevent surviving heirs from […]

No matter how much you love your stepchildren and want to plan for their futures, California laws don’t generally recognize stepsons and stepdaughters as immediate heirs. Knowing that, if you don’t specifically list your stepkids in your estate plan, they might not have any legal rights to your assets. That means when you pass away, […]

Deciding to live abroad can be an exciting time in anyone’s life. A lot of planning goes into making such a drastic move, but one area that Bay Area trust lawyers see commonly overlooked is estate planning. While estate planning is not the most exciting element to think about when planning a new life in […]

You might not think creating an estate plan is necessary unless you’re older or have developed a terminal illness. However, an estate plan can benefit people of any age. It’s a good idea to plan for the unexpected, so your assets remain protected and anyone who depends on you will receive the financial assistance necessary […]