In planning their estates, people have a wide variety of reasons for selecting particular beneficiaries and determining the amounts they want those beneficiaries to receive and the manner in which they want the beneficiaries to receive their inheritances. This newsletter explores gifting issues. BENEFICIARIES vs. HEIRS AT LAW Under California law, beneficiaries and heirs at [..]
I assist Successor Trustees in the administration of living trusts which became irrevocable by virtue of the death of the Settlor. I also am often the attorney for the estate of probate matters in which the decedent passed away owning assets outside of a living trust. Whether there is a trust estate or whether there [..]
In April 2009, I summarized the proper handling of current estate planning documents. This included recommendations for storage of the original Trust versus the original Will. It also described who should have a copy of the Advance Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney. If you wish to read or re-read that issue, you [..]
Through the years I have advised many individuals, Private Professional Fiduciaries, and corporate Trust Officers on the administration of living trusts after the death of the grantor. The job of a Trustee is a high calling and should not be undertaken lightly. This newsletter highlights some of the difficulties encountered by children who are named [..]
I am often called when a client is nearing death or has passed away. I am usually asked specific questions regarding the first steps in the administration of a trust or an estate. I set forth below some things to consider regarding End of Life issues for yourself or for a loved one. What Medical [..]
It is no secret that family or friends of an aging person are faced with many challenges when they try to care for the elder, both physically and financially. I will use the term “Settlor” to mean the aging person who established a living trust or is the principal of a medical or financial power [..]
More than half of the American population currently own pets or grew up with one or more pets. Pets are a good way to teach children responsibility. Pets also act as a companion for older persons. Seniors enjoy caring for and interacting with their pets. But pet ownership requires a backup plan in case of [..]