Creating a valid will can involve several details. But these details are necessary to ensure individuals clarify their wishes for their loved ones after they are gone. Individuals making a will must meet quite a few requirements. They must be at least 18-years-old or...
Law Offices of Berge & Berge LLP
Should you and your spouse make a joint will or a separate will?
When a California couple gets married, they usually adhere to the adage of "what's mine is yours." They buy a house and apply for a mortgage that could be under both of their names. They often open shared bank accounts and credit cards as well to combine their...
Estate planning is important for young people too
It is common for young people to believe one of the most common myths about estate planning: that creating an estate plan is reserved for older or wealthier individuals, not them. Many of them think that they do not have to worry about the end of their life when they...
Things To Consider To Choose The Right Trustee For An SNT
Creating a special needs trust can bring many California parents peace of mind. They know that their child will receive the supplemental care they need when they are gone. However, it is important for parents to choose the right trustee to ensure that the trust...
Frequently asked questions about paying the debts of an estate
Acting as the executor or administrator of someone’s estate is rarely an easy task. They are entrusted with important tasks that must be carried out for assets to distribute as the deceased intended. One of those tasks is paying off any debts attached to the...
Three reasons Californians might wish to avoid probate
For many Californians, an essential goal of their estate planning is avoiding probate. However, unless someone spends much of their time examining estate law issues, they might not know why so many people wish to avoid the probate process. Today, we aim to demystify...
How to choose the right conservator for your estate
Few among us want to think about what will happen in the event we are suddenly incapacitated. Who will ensure we get medical care according to our wishes? Who will pay our bills? In many states, the terms “conservator” and “guardian” are used...
Giving to charity in your estate plan
A contribution to charity provides all sorts of benefits, both to you and the cause to which you’re donating. In addition to supporting an important cause, donors often also receive tax benefits. By incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan, you can extend...
How to prepare the inventory and appraisal for an estate
One of the most important steps for someone administering an estate is completing the inventory and appraisal of the deceased person’s property. They provide this information to the state using the Inventory and Appraisal Form, which includes two attachments. The...
First-party v. third-party special needs trusts
One of the nice things about trusts is that there are so many different kinds. It is safe to say that California families could find a variety of trusts that fit their individual needs. In fact, many of those trusts include different kinds within one type of trust,...