A last will and testament is central to estate planning. It provides legal documentation of your wishes after your death and/or if you become incapacitated. A valid will directs how property held by a decedent’s estate will be distributed after his or her death. Often, as part of estate planning, an individual or a couple […]
When a couple lives with children from their current relationship and from previous relationships, this is considered a “blended family.” According to various counts, 20% to 40% of American families headed by a married couple are blended families. Being a child of a blended family can affect expectations and the reality of inheritances. There are […]
Putting property deeds in a trust allows you to transfer property directly to your beneficiaries upon your death and maintain full rights to the property while still living. Establishing a living trust also allows your beneficiaries to avoid going through the probate process to settle your estate upon your death and generally makes administering your […]
Revocable trusts established as part of an estate plan typically contain incapacity clauses, which direct a successor trustee to assume control of the trust assets if the person who established the trust becomes incapable of making financial decisions. The person who establishes a revocable living trust is referred to as the grantor or settlor. If […]
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution process that is less expensive than going to court. It is also private. Trust disputes aired in court are generally a matter of public record. In arbitration, the parties to a dispute present their case to an impartial third party — an arbitrator —who makes a binding decision. Many […]
Buying life insurance ensures that one or more people or institutions you name as beneficiaries of the insurance policy will receive a lump sum payment upon your death. Having life insurance ensures that your named beneficiaries receive tax-free money that may be applied to their own needs or to your estate’s final expenses, debt, or […]
You can expect probate, the legal process of distributing and closing a deceased person’s estate, to take 12 to 18 months in California. California law requires the completion of probate within one year of an executor or administrator being appointed by the court to handle the estate. However, large or complex estates can take longer. […]
The positions of power of attorney and executor are distinct legal roles. An executor administers a person’s will after their death. A power of attorney may be granted authority to make decisions on behalf of another person in the event they are incapacitated and unable to act during their lifetime. Both are potentially powerful positions. […]
The new law firm will be named Vincere, LLP Albertson & Davidson, LLP, a California trust and estate litigation law firm, is pleased to announce its merger with Trust Law Partners, LLP, a Pasadena firm that focuses on similar areas of trust and probate law. The new law firm will be known as Vincere, LLP. […]
It’s not every day that you meet people you like. But occasionally a great group of people come together that just seem to click. It’s like that person you meet for the first time and have so much in common with—same taste in music, or similar odd taste for antique clocks. Whatever the connection, it […]
