A house is rarely just a number on an estate inventory. One child may see the family home as where they spent every holiday. Another may live three states away and have no interest in owning it. A third may want to keep the property but have no realistic way to buy out everyone else. That is why … [Read more...] about How Can I Divide Real Estate Fairly Between Heirs?
How Do I Avoid Family Conflict Over My Estate Plan?
You may spend months or even years thinking about how you want your property handled after you are gone. Your family, however, may not know what you have decided until they open the documents. That gap can create problems. If you are wondering how to avoid family conflict over your estate … [Read more...] about How Do I Avoid Family Conflict Over My Estate Plan?
Do I Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Own Property?
It is easy to hear the words “estate planning” and picture someone with a large house, investment properties, and substantial savings. If you rent your home and don't own much real estate, creating an estate plan might seem like something you can put off. But do I need an estate plan if I don’t … [Read more...] about Do I Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Own Property?
How Do I Report a Slow or Unethical Probate Attorney?
Probate is rarely fast, which can make it difficult to know when an attorney is simply working through a complicated estate and when something has genuinely gone wrong. How do I report a slow or unethical probate attorney? In California, concerns should usually begin with direct communication and … [Read more...] about How Do I Report a Slow or Unethical Probate Attorney?
What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When One Owner Dies?
Owning property with another person can make estate planning seem straightforward. After all, if two names are on a deed or account, many people assume the survivor simply becomes the owner. Sometimes that is exactly what happens. In other cases, the deceased owner's share may become part of the … [Read more...] about What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When One Owner Dies?
What Happens to Cryptocurrency in My Estate If No One Has the Keys?
Cryptocurrency continues to grow in popularity, but did you know many people who invest in cryptocurrency fail to plan for those assets in their estate plan? If you own cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ether, or other types of cryptocurrency, you may face unique risks if you do not plan for those assets … [Read more...] about What Happens to Cryptocurrency in My Estate If No One Has the Keys?
Can I Contest a Will If It Was Changed Under Duress?
Few things are more heartbreaking than family fighting over a will. Accusations can become especially hurtful when someone believes a loved one changed their estate plan due to pressure before they died. Many folks wonder, “If someone changes their will at the last minute, shouldn’t it be valid?” … [Read more...] about Can I Contest a Will If It Was Changed Under Duress?
How Much Should a Living Trust Cost in California?
If you’ve started looking into estate planning, you’ve probably come across living trusts, and right after that, the question of cost. How much should a living trust cost in California? The answer depends on a few key factors, but one thing is clear: pricing can vary widely. You might see options … [Read more...] about How Much Should a Living Trust Cost in California?
How Do I Choose the Right Executor for My Will?
Choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when creating your estate plan. While many people focus on who will inherit their assets, far fewer spend enough time thinking about who will actually carry out those wishes. That’s where your executor comes in. For … [Read more...] about How Do I Choose the Right Executor for My Will?
Should I Use an Online Will Kit or Hire a Lawyer?
If you’ve started thinking about creating a will, you’ve probably noticed how many online tools promise to make the process quick, easy, and inexpensive. With just a few clicks, you can generate a document that looks official and covers the basics. So it’s a fair question: should you use an … [Read more...] about Should I Use an Online Will Kit or Hire a Lawyer?
