Creating a will or a trust is a serious matter, and choosing who you appoint to carry out your wishes (the fiduciary) is the most important estate planning decision you’ll make. When you create a will or a trust, you appoint executors, guardians, and trustees, known collectively as fiduciaries. A fiduciary performs specific duties, such […]

In order to understand what a joint will is, it’s essential to start with what a will is. A will is a legal document that sets out how you would like all of your assets and liabilities treated after you pass. It can also create a trust and name a guardian for minor children. A […]

Charitable trusts are irrevocable – meaning once they are established the income belongs to the trust and not to the individual. There are benefits to setting up a charitable trust aside from helping an organization or person. Here are a few of the many things to know about charitable trusts in California. 1. Taxed or […]

California, like many other states, does not have an inheritance tax. If you receive a cash gift or other form of inheritance you do not have to claim it as income in California. The federal level has different protocols, so it’s always important to keep that in mind.  The only time you have to include […]

To contest a will, whether you live in California or outside the Golden State, simply means that you are legally checking to see if the will is valid. If you live outside of California you must file your contest in California. The legal relationship is between California law and the Estate. An outside state will […]