Where Should You Keep Your Estate Planning Documents?

Many people sign a living trust, will, power of attorney, and health care directive, then place the documents somewhere no one knows about. Years later, when incapacity or death occurs, the family may not know where the originals are, whether signed copies exist, or who has authority to act…
Can a Non-Family Member Inherit Your Property in California?

For many California living trusts, this happens after the trust creator dies, the successor trustee gathers the assets, pays expenses, resolves taxes, and distributes the remaining property to the beneficiaries. Once the trust no longer owns property and no further duties remain, the trust has effectively served its purpose….
How Do You End a Trust in California?

For many California living trusts, this happens after the trust creator dies, the successor trustee gathers the assets, pays expenses, resolves taxes, and distributes the remaining property to the beneficiaries. Once the trust no longer owns property and no further duties remain, the trust has effectively served its purpose….
Can a California Trustee Live in Another State?

Children who inherit real estate from their parents in California usually do not pay income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax merely because they received the property….
Do Children Pay Taxes on Property They Inherit From Parents?

Children who inherit real estate from their parents in California usually do not pay income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax merely because they received the property….
When Does a Trust Beneficiary Get Their Inheritance?

Money inherited through probate is not usually treated as taxable income to the beneficiary simply because it was inherited….
Does a Surviving Spouse Automatically Inherit Everything?

Money inherited through probate is not usually treated as taxable income to the beneficiary simply because it was inherited….
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Money I Inherit Through Probate?

Money inherited through probate is not usually treated as taxable income to the beneficiary simply because it was inherited….
What Is a Letter of Instruction and Should I Write One?

Life insurance can be one of the most practical tools in an estate plan because it creates money at the moment a family may need it most…
Why Life Insurance Is an Important Part of an Estate Plan

Life insurance can be one of the most practical tools in an estate plan because it creates money at the moment a family may need it most…