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Why You Should Update Your Will and Trust Regularly

Estate planning is crucial for carrying out your wishes and caring for your loved ones when you can no longer do so. However, creating an estate plan is not a one-time event. It is a process that requires regular review and updates to adapt to changes in your life circumstances,...

How to Protect Your Estate from Probate Costs

Probate can be a costly process in several ways. First, probate can mean that you have actual economic costs associated with the process, which can amount to several percent of the estate or more. Second, probate can lead to other financial costs, including what you must pay for the administration...

Does a Letter of Intent Change Probate?

A letter of intent doesn't directly change the probate process in California, but it can influence how certain aspects unfold. While it's not legally binding or recognized by probate courts, it can serve as a helpful guide for family members or executors interpreting a loved one's wishes.  If you're navigating...

Understanding the Differences Between Wills and Trusts

Estate planning is an essential step in securing the financial future of your loved ones. Two of the most commonly used estate planning instruments are wills and trusts. While both serve to distribute assets and protect beneficiaries, they function in distinct ways and serve different legal and financial purposes. When...

What Rights Do Beneficiaries Have During Probate?

The death of a close family member is always challenging. The legal process of probate can lead to additional stress and uncertainty. Understanding your rights to your loved one’s estate is essential when dealing with probate. Understanding the probate process and your rights as a trust beneficiary is essential to...

The Key Documents You Need for Estate Planning

Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their estate. That’s why so many estates end up in probate limbo. No will. No trust. No plan. Just grieving family members left to untangle a legal mess they never asked for. Here’s the reality: if you don’t...