An estate plan is crucial if you want to protect your assets and ensure that your loved ones and the endeavors that you care about are adequately supported. But a lot of people find it challenging to create an estate plan. Some fear the thought of their own mortality,...
San Jose Estate Planning Blog
When do I need to think about a special needs trust?
A special needs trust is an estate planning tool residents of the Bay Area may want to create in order to provide for a loved one who has a disability. For example, parents of an adult child who cannot function independently should consider this option. The special...
What are the advantages and drawbacks of a joint will?
When it comes to planning, people tend to put things off. But many people in California and elsewhere may not realize that even setting up the most basic estate planning documents such as a will can provide the foundation for financial security for their loved ones....
What are a conservator’s duties in a limited conservatorship?
For Californians who have an adult loved one who needs a certain level of care due to developmental disabilities, a conservatorship may be a viable option. However, people are frequently unsure of what type of conservatorship would be the best choice for their...
What are the different types of powers of attorney?
Good estate planning can have a lot of moving parts and there are some aspects which will have more use to you than others. Your needs will also change throughout your life, as you age and different events require different approaches to your estate plan. Powers of...
Do you know what special needs trust assets can be used for?
A special needs trust can be a great way to provide your loved one with financial resources while protecting his or her ability to obtain government benefits like Medicaid. Yet, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about special needs trusts. For example, many...
Younger people are showing greater interest in estate planning
For many Californians, estate planning is something they put off. While this is understandable given the subject matter and that it is essentially acknowledging one’s own mortality – something that people are often reluctant to do – it is frequently a mistake. Younger...
How can I avoid outliving my retirement assets?
Life expectancy in the U.S. is on the rise. This raises the troubling question many retirees are facing: what happens if I outlive my assets? The following are some tips on how to avoid this scenario from occurring. The “4%” rule Traditionally it was recommended that...
What does a conservator do?
A California resident who a court deems unable to care for themselves or handle their basic needs may be appointed a conservator. Most California residents are probably familiar with guardianships, which involve an adult who is given legal responsibility over a minor...
Understanding conservatorships in California
If an adult cannot care for him or herself or his or her finances, it may be necessary to pursue a conservatorship. A judge can appoint a responsible adult to act as a conservator. The conservator may be a friend or family member. The person subject to the...