San Jose Estate Planning Blog
3 common estate-planning mistakes of high-net-worth individuals
Estate planning for high-net-worth individuals can be extremely complicated. Such households have more intricate financial scenarios, which can make them subject to taxes and other restrictions that lower-income households do not face. The larger an estate is, the...
The connection between fundraisers and special needs trusts
Life always changes, for better or for worse, but most people do not prepare for the what-ifs. Life-altering events, such as catastrophic injuries or unexpected illnesses, can leave one with intense feelings of helplessness and stress. An affected individual facing...
A closer look: Who are the witnesses of your will?
Creating a valid will can involve several details. But these details are necessary to ensure individuals clarify their wishes for their loved ones after they are gone. Individuals making a will must meet quite a few requirements. They must be at least...
Should you and your spouse make a joint will or a separate will?
When a California couple gets married, they usually adhere to the adage of "what's mine is yours." They buy a house and apply for a mortgage that could be under both of their names. They often open shared bank accounts and credit cards as well to combine their...
Estate planning is important for young people too
It is common for young people to believe one of the most common myths about estate planning: that creating an estate plan is reserved for older or wealthier individuals, not them. Many of them think that they do not have to worry about the end of their life when they...
Digital estate plans protect essential assets (and selfies)
You may know the melancholy feeling of seeing a friend or follower on social media who has passed away in the real world, their digital afterlife remaining just the way they left it. Over time, our feeds accumulate these “ghost” or “zombie”...
Things To Consider To Choose The Right Trustee For An SNT
Creating a special needs trust can bring many California parents peace of mind. They know that their child will receive the supplemental care they need when they are gone. However, it is important for parents to choose the right trustee to ensure that the trust...
Frequently asked questions about paying the debts of an estate
Acting as the executor or administrator of someone’s estate is rarely an easy task. They are entrusted with important tasks that must be carried out for assets to distribute as the deceased intended. One of those tasks is paying off any debts attached to the...
Changes in your life can necessitate changes in your plans
You may be of the mindset that once you establish your will, you are prepared for the future. However, while having a will is an essential part of your estate planning process, making sure to update your will can be equally important as your living and family...
Three reasons Californians might wish to avoid probate
For many Californians, an essential goal of their estate planning is avoiding probate. However, unless someone spends much of their time examining estate law issues, they might not know why so many people wish to avoid the probate process. Today, we aim to demystify...
