Some of you may know that a Living Trust is also known as a Revocable Trust. Furthermore, it is a legal document which places your assets into a Trust during one’s lifetime. Upon one’s death the assets are then transferred to the stated beneficiaries by the person chosen as the Successor Trustee. This quick and easy […]
I get it. People do not like to think about the tough stuff – advanced health care directives, power of attorney for finances and medical decisions – that sort of stuff. I led a discussion at the Terraces about end of life issues and I was reminded, yet again, that people often feel that completion of […]
To date in this 3-part series on the Difference Between Will and Trust, we have seen that wills provide a way to share your wishes, distribute property to beneficiaries, name an executor and guardian for minor children. We touched on probate, the process of validating a will, and how it can be a costly and […]
In the Difference Between Will and Trust – Part 1 we took a look at wills and how they provide a way for you to share your wishes, distribute property to beneficiaries, and name an executor and/or guardian for minor children. We also touched on probate and how that process of validating a will can be […]
“Diane, what is the difference between will and trust?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions we trust and estate attorneys get asked! The differences between the two are significant and honestly, while this article is a handy reference for general knowledge, I advise you to check with a specialist before investing your […]
Here in Part 2 of Estate Trustee Administration 101 we’ll look at what makes a Successful Estate Trustee and what to do as you navigate the 15 Main Duties discussed in Part 1 of this series. I won’t sugar coat things, sometimes deceased relatives can leave us with a tangled mess! Don’t get me wrong, […]
As we begin Part 1 of Estate Trustee Administration :101, let’s look at what happens when you get that phone call that says, “As the Trustee of your Aunt What’s-her-name’s estate, I need to inform you that it’s time to do all those things we talked about five years back!” Wow! There are all sorts […]
Now that most of us have trusts… or have been thinking about getting one… ok, sometimes for several years! The burning question becomes: “When should I update a trust?” Or, “How often do I need to review my documents?” Just remember, life is a delicate thing and it is much better to have your affairs […]
First, if you have all your estate planning docs in order, Congratulations! Really quick though, please take a second and ask yourself, “Has anything changed since I had them drafted?” If not, you are likely good to go. Although before you click away, you may also want to ask yourself, “Would this info be helpful […]
This month we pick up where we left off in our last post, When is an Estate Plan Necessary? Part 1. Remember, even if you have an estate plan, if there are any holes, the California Probate Code fills any vacuum if you become incapacitated or die. So, creating an estate plan is necessary any […]
Diane Brown, ESQ.
Certified Specialist: Estate Planning,
Trusts and Probate
Estate planning is for everybody; especially married couples, parents, and grandparents. Planning ensures your wishes are carried out, not the whims of relatives or the courts.
Action now can translate into significant savings down the road. Take just ONE step today...
Call my office today to schedule your
FREE 30min Legal Consultation
