Category: Blog

  • What Does “Per Stirpes” Mean?

    What Does “Per Stirpes” Mean?

    Estate planning can be simple if you’ve got a small family with only one child and no siblings. It’s when you have a large family, such as a blended family, that it can get complicated. That’s why you need a trust attorney in Orange County to help you create a will that encapsulates your wishes,…

  • Should I Have Named Both of My Children Jointly as My Successor Co-Trustees?

    Should I Have Named Both of My Children Jointly as My Successor Co-Trustees?

    Trusts are an important part of estate planning. They can also be one of the trickier aspects of estate planning. It doesn’t have to do with setting up a trust and naming trust beneficiaries. It has everything to do with naming successor co-trustees, specifically naming more than one of your children. Your trust attorney in…

  • Should I Add My Adult Child as Co-Owner on My Bank Account?

    Should I Add My Adult Child as Co-Owner on My Bank Account?

    Making your adult child co-owner of your bank account seems like a sensible thing to do. After all, they’re responsible and you can trust them to take care of your financial affairs and decisions should you become incapacitated. It’s also a good way to avoid probate. However, when you talk to a probate attorney in…

  • Your Duty as Successor Trustee

    Your Duty as Successor Trustee

    If you’ve been appointed as a successor trustee it means that the grantor trusts you with all the important aspects of their life should they become incapacitated or when they die. It’s an important role with important responsibilities. If you’re about to appoint a successor trustee, it’s a good idea to discuss their exact duties…

  • Who Can Be a Beneficiary of a Trust?

    Who Can Be a Beneficiary of a Trust?

    Trusts are part of estate planning. They serve as a secure holding pen where the trust creator transfers assets that are then protected from certain things like lawsuits. A trust attorney in Orange County will help you create a trust agreement that fulfills your wishes and meets state and federal requirements. There are different types…

  • Benefits of a Revocable Trust

    Benefits of a Revocable Trust

    Estate planning isn’t only something that takes care of your family after you die. You can set up a revocable or revocable living trust that protects your assets before your death and benefits your family afterward. A trust attorney in Orange County will give you all the advice you need to create a revocable trust…

  • Per Stirpes: The Importance of Naming Grandchildren as Beneficiaries on Retirement Accounts

    Per Stirpes: The Importance of Naming Grandchildren as Beneficiaries on Retirement Accounts

    Retirement accounts are part of your estate and must be included in your estate plan to ensure it goes to your chosen beneficiaries after you’ve passed on. Talk to your probate attorney in Orange County about how best to divide your retirement account among your descendants. One way to keep it in the family is to use per…

  • Legal Challenges to Pet Trusts

    Legal Challenges to Pet Trusts

    If you have a beloved pet, you might consider him family and want to make sure he is cared for even if you pass away before he does. A pet trust is the most effective way to make sure that your pets will receive proper care even after you pass away. Pet trusts are especially…

  • Pet Trust: How Does It Work?

    Pet Trust: How Does It Work?

    In the estate planning world, you often hear about trusts and how they can be used to seamlessly leave money to your loved ones. Pet trusts, on the other hand, work in a very similar way.  If you’re worried that your pets may outlive you, you can create a trust that will provide for them…

  • Why Probate a Will? 3 Reasons to Do it Now Before it’s Too Late

    Why Probate a Will? 3 Reasons to Do it Now Before it’s Too Late

    Do you need to probate a will? Planning for the future is one of the most responsible and caring acts you can undertake for your loved ones. It involves creating a legally solid and valid will that not only ensures your final wishes are clear but also serves as a means to save your family…