When a loved one passes away, the oft-drawn out probate process commonly results in increased expenses. This is the last thing that you want your heirs to go through when they are grieving such a loss. To contend with these issues, living trusts are often created. A living trust is a legal document, often used...

We execute estate plans so that during our lifetime and upon our incapacitation or death we can best provide for our loved ones and ourselves. A big reason for this is to be sure that we can provide for our loved ones after we have gone. This is even more important when we have...

 Q: Can a trustee be removed due to lack of mental capacity?

Historically, princesses have been portrayed as being surrounded by riches and being accustomed to having their own way. But estate planning attorneys can tell you, they are subject to the same rules as everyone else when it comes to their...

What are the most common types of trust disputes?

Trusts have become one of the most popular estate planning tools, and for good reason. A trust allows the trust creator (the trustor) to entrust assets to a named trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Trusts do not need...

Your trustee is supposed to be extremely ethical, responsible, and have the best interests of your beneficiaries at heart. They should carry out their duties as you intended and act for the benefit of your trust and those who receive its assets. However, unfortunately, trustees may not always be up to this...

A trustee plays a very important role in the administration of a trust. It is absolutely vital that you use a trustee that is trustworthy and responsible to carry out the distribution process and general trust management. Trustees are held to a higher standard because they are fulfilling the wishes of someone...

An ABLE account is a bank account that permits those with special needs to save money at the state level. It gets its name from the federal law, Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. California was slower to establish ABLE accounts, but they were signed into law in 2015. However, California has struggled...

When a relative passes, you often expect that you will obtain some type of inheritance after their passing, particularly if it is a parent or spouse. Perhaps, for example, your mother has already talked to you about your inheritance, or you know that a particular bank account has been left for you.

What are the most common reasons for trust litigation?

When you create a trust, you expect that your assets will be distributed in accordance with the carefully set out terms of the trust.  While most trusts are upheld after the death of the settlor, many others become embroiled in litigation.  Disagreements over the...

You cannot leave money or funds to a pet. Instead, you may want to set up a trust so that your assets or funds can be used for the care of that pet. That way, you know your pet will be cared for, even after you are gone, according to the instructions you...