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Creating an estate plan is a wise step in California. People who do so are preparing for the future not just for themselves, but for loved ones as well. However, simply creating an estate plan does not automatically mean it is devoid of mistakes. On the contrary, there are common errors people might make and it can cause a litany…
Blended families, those marriages that include kids from prior marriages, are ever increasing as the divorce rates in the U.S. remain extremely high (about 50%). Indeed, as divorce rates continue to be high, and with the divorce tsunami ever increasing from last year and this year, blended families may become the standard. Though, for blended families, there are a few…
Many San Jose area residents have already taken the time to create an advanced health care directive. An advanced health care directive is an important document where a person writes their wishes about what they want to happen to them when they become incapacitated. One part of the advanced health care directive is the health care proxy. Choosing the right…
This blog has touched on digital property in the past. Indeed, in a recent post, we looked at how a power of attorney is affected by digital assets. In this post though, we will look at digital assets more broadly. What are digital assets? Digital assets are, essentially, one’s online life. This includes social media profiles, digital music services, email…
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, life expectancy in the United States has mostly increased from year to year. In fact, the life expectancy was 76.3 years for men and 81.4 years for women in 2019, a significant increase from 1990, when life expectancy was 71.8 years for men and 78.8 years for women. With people…
Estate planning has become a hot button issue over the past year and a half. With all the craziness during this time, estate planning has become a way for many to take control during these crazy times. It gives us peace of mind that, when we pass, our families can still go on. And, at Berge & Berge in San…
In San Jose and across California, changes to the law can stoke inordinate concern and fear as to how individuals and their families will be impacted. This is especially true with property, taxes and new laws that will impact estate planning. It is perfectly legal and wise for those who own various properties to do whatever they can within the…
The traditional advice is to purchase long-term care insurance before you are 60 to keep it affordable. But there is a risk that you suffer an illness when you are younger and before making this investment. There are options, however, that help pay for long-term care without depleting your assets and overturning your estate planning. Care is costly The median…
As our parents age, we oftentimes find ourselves worried about their wellbeing. This concern can stretch to nearly every aspect of their lives, but there’s one issue that shouldn’t be overlooked: estate planning. Far too many individuals put off estate planning until it’s too late, which can affect not only the way that their assets are distributed upon death, but…
It is an unfortunately common situation. All too often, San Jose residents have the good intentions to draft and execute estate planning documents, only to wait too long and pass away before their estate plans are complete. It can be frustrating and confusing for family members to address a loved one’s death under these preventable circumstances. When someone dies without…