Estate plans are created with the goal of avoiding California probate, but the reality is probate cannot always be prevented. Even well-intentioned planning can fall short if certain details are overlooked or circumstances change over time. Understanding when probate isREAD MORE
Estate or Trust Administration
When most people think of estate planning, they focus on what happens after death, such as naming beneficiaries and distributing assets. In reality, the most important planning happens during life. This is especially true if illness, injury, or cognitive declineREAD MORE
Understanding the role of a trustee is essential before getting involved in estate planning or trust administration. Under California trust law, a trustee is an individual appointed through the trust of a deceased person to manage the trust estate uponREAD MORE
Being named as a successor trustee carries serious responsibilities under California law. If you find yourself in this role, here’s a roadmap through your first 90 days, with key steps and pitfalls to avoid. When a settlor passes in California,READ MORE
When it comes to the process of setting up a living trust, most people focus on the initial steps: establishing goals, creating documents, and signing documents. But there’s a critical final step that’s often overlooked — changing the name ofREAD MORE
According to 2024 Alzheimer Association stats, approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s dementia, the majority (73%) being 75 or older. As an aging population grows, dementia has become an important concern for families,READ MORE
Trust Administration: Streamlining, Protecting, and Guiding Asset Management In this example, the deceased individual also referred to as the grantor, created a trust for the benefit of himself and his family. The Trustmaker transferred his assets into a trust and establishedREAD MORE
A frequent concern for those with aging loved ones is the future need for guardianship. Unfortunately, the concept of guardianship can be confusing and overwhelming.
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and companionship, two categories your pet surely falls under. Unfortunately, you can’t give your pet the classic rose and chocolate combo. For one, most pets cannot consume chocolate. Flowers can be poisonousREAD MORE
In many marriages, one spouse manages the finances and the other manages the day-to-day household decisions and maintenance. But what if your spouse tragically, suddenly, passes away?