Designating beneficiaries seems pretty straightforward. At its core, it is simply the listing of individuals to whom you intend to pass your property and assets. Unfortunately, mistakes involving the designation of beneficiaries are one of the most common that I see....
Estate planning is essential for anyone interested in passing their assets onto his or her loved ones. But for those with children with special needs such as physical or mental disabilities, estate planning can be an even more complex and fraught process, especially...
People in the Bay Area tend to be optimists, especially when it comes to their estate planning. First, they believe that whatever assets they have amassed will last them forever, regardless of what life throws at them. More specifically, they often think that they...
It is extremely difficult to deal with a family member who is struggling with addiction issues. This is particularly true if the family member is an adult child and the parents have had to make fraught decisions regarding whether to help support their child or to cut...
Recently we’ve heard that NBA star Lamar Odom’s health issues have resulted in hospitalization and have temporarily incapacitated him. Due to the fact that his divorce from reality TV star Khloe Kardashian has not been finalized, and he apparently did not update his...
As a mobile notary, I have spent the past decade jumping on the road after receiving a frantic request from a family member because Mom has taken a spill, Dad has to go in for heart surgery, or young Joey has had an accident and will be laid up in the hospital for an...
Guardianship refers to naming a surrogate parent for your minor children in the event that you and the other parent are unable to care for them. Normally, you nominate the guardian(s) in your Will. The court has final approval, but state laws generally require the...
Although Estate Planning is not only for the uber-rich, the errors made by the wealthy individuals in the public eye can provide a lesson for us all. As we examine a recent case, we are reminded why attorneys recommend that we keep our Trust and Will updated as our...
Often viewed as spoiled rich kids or adults drained of all ambition by an unnatural financial infusion, American society has a negative association with young people who inherit trust funds. While that stereotype may be unfair and overly broad, there are pitfalls that...