A legal trust is one of the most powerful tools to include in an estate plan. They help the trust's grantor manage their assets while alive and ensure a smooth and efficient transition of their affairs after their death. There are many types of trusts to choose from....
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Estate Planning
In California, how do you remove the executor of an estate?
The executor of a person’s estate holds a position of significant authority. A person who serves in that capacity is expected to act in a way that is responsible, honest, trustworthy and reliable. The duties of an executor may include carrying out instructions...
Should you contest a will with a no-contest clause?
If someone you love has passed away and unexpectedly changed your inheritance or cut you out of their will, you have every right to be concerned. Those changes should have been discussed with you. If you were expecting a different outcome and have heard that a sibling...
How caregivers abuse their position in the hope of an inheritance
Older adults and people with medical conditions often require caregivers. Whether the caregiver is a member of your family who leaves their job to live with an aging loved one or a professional that your family hires, they are in a position of authority. They control...
What do you do if assets are missing from a loved one’s estate?
When your loved one’s estate is missing assets, it could be a sign that they were taken advantage of or that someone has been stealing. It’s just a fact that some people will do anything they can to take from someone else who is unable to protect their assets or who...
Tips for successfully contesting a will
If you have recently lost a loved one, you'll undoubtedly be going through a difficult time coming to terms with your loss. In addition to this emotional process, you may have a lot on your to-do list with regard to ensuring that your loved one's last wishes are...
Challenging a will: There are many reasons this happens
When creating an estate plan, you should think about the steps you can take to help prevent a will contest in the future. You assume that this will never happen, but it’s hard to say if someone will become so upset that they take this legal action. While challenging a...
What happens when people steal from a testator before death?
Once someone dies, the executor of the estate assumes control and authority over their assets until they complete the probate process. The executor has a responsibility to pay outstanding debts, close accounts held by the deceased individual and distribute assets...
4 Tips to prevent someone from contesting your will
The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time for families. Grief aside, a family member may decide they are unhappy with what they do – or don’t – receive from an estate and choose to contest the will. Will contests can extend for years, preventing all...
Do you suspect undue influence in your parent’s estate plan?
Your parent is elderly, and they have created an estate plan to pass on their assets and property to the next generation. However, you have a bad feeling about the situation that you cannot quite put your finger on. You worry that someone has manipulated your parents...