Friends and unrelated care givers are not treated the same as family in the California Probate Code; they are never one’s heirs. Nevertheless, people do leave gifts to friends and unrelated care givers. Heirs are favorably entitled to inherit a deceased person’s estate in the absence of any will or trust. One’s heirs depends on […]
posted on: June 12, 2026
Read MoreIf an individual lives alone without any children or spouse (i.e., “a lone individual”), more consideration is needed as to who will step in as a representative and manage the person’s financial, legal, and health decision making if the individual becomes disabled. Lone individuals can be socially isolated and more prone to fraudsters who befriend […]
posted on: May 29, 2026
Read MoreAs people grow older and experience disabilities they may need or seek some support – often from a child – with important decision making or with managing their assets, income and expenses. But they may not be ready to completely transfer their control. What they want is a middle ground where someone assists them but […]
posted on: May 29, 2026
Read MoreSee Complete Article : Fordham, Dennis, Directed Trusts.pdf
posted on: May 7, 2026
Read MoreA person’s primary residence is often their most valuable asset. What happens after the owner dies depends on whether any estate planning was done in advance. Let us discuss the issues and the options. Is any debt owed on the primary residence? Any unpaid mortgage will be due and payable when the owner dies unless […]
posted on: April 24, 2026
Read MoreEstate planning includes, but is not limited to, who inherits what assets when a person dies. It also includes who manages and controls your assets when you are disabled or otherwise unable to property manage your legal, financial and property affairs. Such disability planning may benefit other loved ones, such as spouses, children, and elderly […]
posted on: April 24, 2026
Read MoreA trust is a legal arrangement in which trust assets are controlled and managed by a trustee for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries according to the terms of a trust. Only assets that are held in trust are controlled by the trustee. It is important to transfer assets into the trust in order to […]
posted on: March 27, 2026
Read MoreConversations about estate planning are necessary or helpful when family circumstances are complicated (e.g., blended families, estrangement, caregiving children, special-needs or dependent children, or heirs who cannot manage money). Some talks are purely informational (explaining what will happen). Others seek input or collaboration on practical solutions and implementation. Challenging circumstances often force parents to decide […]
posted on: March 6, 2026
Read MoreMost people have heard of Will Contests and Trust Contests where the validity of a will or trust is contested by allegations of undue influence or lack of capacity to execute the will or trust. These contests occur in probate court, not civil court. Far fewer people know about the Intentional Interference with an Expected […]
posted on: February 20, 2026
Read MorePets and other animals (e.g., livestock) are important to people and can even feel like family to their owners. Animals can be expensive. They need veterinary care and board and care in the event that the owner is no longer able to take care of them. That is why one’s estate planning should consider the […]
posted on: February 5, 2026
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