When you create an estate plan, you must decide who will carry out your instructions. That decision often involves appointing both an executor and a trustee. These roles sound similar, but they have different responsibilities. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right people for each position when you create your estate plan. The Executor’s […]
Estate Planning
Does California Use the Uniform Probate Code?
Use up and down arrow keys to resize the meta box pane. When someone passes away, their property does not automatically shift to new owners. In most cases, the estate must go through probate, a court-supervised process where debts are settled and assets are distributed. Use up and down arrow keys to resize the meta […]
The Limitations of Wills
Many people create a will to convey in writing how they want their estate to be handled when they die. A properly executed will tells the court how to divide your assets and transfer them to your named heirs. A will can also include instructions to appoint a guardian for the care of minor […]
Are Holographic Wills Legal in California?
Some people wonder whether a handwritten will can be valid in California, and the short answer is yes. California law recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills as long as they meet certain requirements. But just because they are legal does not mean they are advisable. The story of the late artist Thomas Kinkade shows why relying on […]
Holistic Estate Planning: Don’t Overlook These Details
Holistic estate planning involves more than signing a will or creating a trust. A truly effective plan takes a comprehensive perspective. In Sonoma County, where families often balance homes with significant value, chosen family, or small business ownership, overlooking important details can undermine your intentions. Include Instructions for Health Care Your estate plan should address […]
Business Succession Planning: Take Control of the Future
If you’ve built a successful business in Sonoma County, you already understand how important it is to think ahead. Yet many business owners delay one of the most critical tasks of all: deciding what should happen to the business when they are no longer at the helm. Business succession planning allows you to take charge […]
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