Estate Planning

Blended families are the new normal, thanks to changing societal norms concerning divorce and remarriage. Though once a rarity, the “yours, mine, and ours” scenario is now commonplace.

While navigating new family dynamics is never easy, it’s not unusual for adults to come to love their stepchildren just as much as their biological children.

Life is fleeting, and none of us know what can happen tomorrow, but having discussions about passing away can be overwhelming and too tough to handle. Many people find them morbid, unable to handle the thought of losing their cherished family members and friends. However, if you pass away without putting your affairs in order, you could leave your loved ones in a terrible place. 

Not only will they have to go through a stressful probate process and potentially fight a range of claims against your estate, but they might end up turning against each other. That can be particularly heartbreaking in

Outstanding debt can put a serious damper on your peace of mind, especially with regard to protecting your home. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your home is protected from creditors, both now and once ownership of the property passes on to your heirs.  

If creditors coming after your home is a point of serious concern for you, your best option is to consult an experienced estate planning attorney about which arrangements can keep your house and other assets safe going forward.

How California Creditors Can Take Your Home

In the state of California, creditors can seize your home in a number of ways. Lawsuits and foreclosures are the most common among these.

Managing finances can be a complicated matter for anyone. When you have a loved one who’s irresponsible with money, it can be even more challenging. Fortunately, estate planning allows you to consider potential spending issues and create a plan that supports your loved ones while also protecting them.

If you've ever spent time in a hospital, you may have heard someone mention an “advance directive.” An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes for emergency or end-of-life medical care. Medical directives should be made in advance of a medical emergency that makes an incapacitated person unable to communicate. 

Thinking about end-of-life scenarios can be emotionally challenging, and many myths surround advance healthcare directives. Understanding the myths and misunderstandings about advance healthcare directives in California can help you make informed decisions.

Palm Springs is a wonderful place for active adults to live and work. Along with neighboring Coachella Valley cities, Palm Springs is among the most appealing Southern California communities for those who want an active retirement lifestyle. 

The weather is nearly perfect, the food scene is excellent, and the laid-back desert community is ideal for people who enjoy their peace and serenity but also want to have fun. If you are an active adult living and working in the Palm Springs area, it's crucial that you create an estate plan that meets your unique retirement goals. 

Form a Retirement Plan

If Palm Springs is the desert city of your choice and you'd like to retire here, you may be wondering how to prepare yourself financially for it.

When you create your estate plan, you’re establishing your legacy. And if you’re someone with considerable assets, you might be thinking about donating some of that wealth to a beloved charity or two.

Your charitable gift can have a life-changing impact on organizations you love. But did you know that the right charitable giving strategy can also minimize estate taxes for your heirs and potentially even lower your tax liability during your lifetime? Here are a few charitable giving options to consider.

A Bequest in Your Will

This is probably the simplest way to make a charitable gift.

Thinking about your death isn’t pleasant, but estate planning is the best way to ensure your loved ones get the inheritance you want them to receive. Whether you have a complicated estate with a high net worth and several holdings or are working to pay down your debt, estate planning benefits you and your family. 

Understanding Estate Planning

Estate planning is the official process of deciding what happens to your money and possessions when you die.
Read more . . .

Discussions about advanced care planning are difficult, but if you should become seriously ill, knowing your wishes will help your family cope with end-of-life decisions. Telling loved ones about your preferences is a good start. Putting those preferences in a legal document called an advanced directive is even better.

You take steps to safeguard your money and property in life. But did you know that you can also use your estate plan to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, and even beneficiaries who overspend?

When it comes to protecting your assets during the estate-planning process, it can be challenging to know where to start. Every estate is different, but you might want to consider some of these often-successful tactics:

Making Your Business a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

If you run a business and a creditor comes after you for business debts, they might go after your personal assets if your business can’t pay up.
Read more . . .

The holidays are a time to reconnect with family and close friends. But this year, as you’re putting together that Thanksgiving feast or decorating the tree, you should make time to discuss the important topic of estate planning.

Why should you discuss estate planning during the holidays? It might seem counterintuitive and even a little gauche, but there are numerous reasons why the holidays are the perfect time to start talking to loved ones about planning your estate.