Almost every Bay Area area family has at least one family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s. A dementia diagnosis is common among older adults, but it can still be a disheartening family event. When a person has been diagnosed with dementia there are estate planning...
Organizing an estate plan can save time and money
As Californians age, the idea of preparing an estate plan becomes more important. But what is an estate plan? And what goes into an estate plan? While preparing a complete estate plan can require the services of an expert attorney, organizing the basic information for...
Steps to think about when you are ready for estate planning
Most people in California know that they should address the important task of estate planning sooner rather than later, but they may be mystified by the options, or they may believe some of the “myths” about estate planning that are quite common. Whatever the reason...
What are the most common estate planning myths?
Let’s face it, estate planning can be complicated. However, the myths that surround estate planning should not hold us back from estate planning, especially in our current economic climate. Indeed, every day, the news flashes reasons why we should have an estate plan...
When should I update my will?
Creating a will takes time and effort. You have to think through who you will give your assets to and choose who will serve as your children’s guardian and your estate executor. Once you have a will, you may think you don’t need to revisit it – well, at least not for...
What it means to be “of sound mind”
It is important to take care of one’s physical and mental health. As a person ages or transitions through the stages of life, they may notice that their body and mind respond differently than they did in years past. A California resident may be aware of how...
Two estate planning documents college students should have
While the fall semester on college campuses may look different this year, this does not change the need to consider the present and future needs of a college student. While an estate plan may seem like something necessary for aging adults and the elderly, it is...
Flexibility and many benefits of a charitable trust
Effective estate planning promotes distinct and multiple goals. One central aim on the mind of many planners is asset protection. Another is family legacy and making a positive and lasting social impact. We note at the established Bay Area estate planning Law Offices...
You’ve created your estate plan. Now ensure it works as planned.
Reportedly, even many estate planners who just crafted a plan and are pleased with the results end up being less than satisfied a few year later. Why should that be the case? Forbes financial writer Bob Carlson can point to a deep well of reasons that materially...
Exploring the utility of a personal asset trust
Regular readers of our blog posts at the established Bay Area Law Offices of Berge & Berge are routinely minded that trust creation can materially promote the interests of estate planning individuals and families. Granted, trusts are not applicable to every...
