Does a Basic Will Prevent an Estate From Going Into Probate? A legal will made in San Diego is considered binding by the state. That means that all statements as to who gets what has to be followed to the… READ MORE

Top Three Benefits of a Living Trust Protecting one’s assets from potential legal threats, and making the process of passing wealth to beneficiaries seamless, are two of the biggest benefits of living trusts. Also, this legal entity makes it simple to… READ MORE

Don’t use joint tenancy to avoid probate Having a trust avoids probate at death. Probate is expensive. It keeps your family from receiving your assets for a substantial time, often for more than a year, after you die. But here… READ MORE

Two trustees (co-trustees) are too many. While you are alive, you remain the trustee of your trust. Another person will act for you when you can’t. That person is called the successor trustee, and you will choose the person when… READ MORE

Your personal information that the attorney will need is: Who are the people that you care for? What do you own? Give the attorney: (1) an inventory of your assets; (2) the names of the people to receive your assets… READ MORE

Minor child inheriting? – Problems solved   The two problems (assets frozen for minors; then 18 year olds spending foolishly) can be eliminated when parents make a living trust and establish sound rules for handling assets of their minor children.… READ MORE

Minor child inheriting? – Spendthrift at age 18. Problem # 2   Any legal disabilities preventing a child from having full ownership and use of property disappear on the 18th birthday. The San Diego probate court is no longer needed… READ MORE

Minor child inheriting? –Inheritance frozen. Problem # 1   If parents are not careful, after their deaths their minor child could inherit assets such as the house, bank accounts, vehicles, IRA’s, and life insurance. As it is, the inheritance cannot… READ MORE

I like a Will better, but . . . ? I prefer a Will to a Trust. I think of a Will as a personal document. It’s about the end of my life. It tells a story. I can name… READ MORE

Living Trusts: A recent phenomenon? Less than a generation ago, few people knew about living trusts. When a client discussed an estate plan with an attorney, it was always about a will. Having a trust was uncommon. But wealthy people… READ MORE