In this vlog, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales discusses the Estate of Sanchez, Sixth Appellate District. In the Estate of Sanchez, the appeals court upheld that a personal representative may not represent the estate in propria persona (without the assistance of an attorney) even in the probate action on claims pursued for the benefit of the estate’s beneficiaries. Maggie discusses some elements of the case and the importance of hiring a probate attorney … [Read more...] about The Importance of Hiring a Probate Attorney (VIDEO)
Estate Planning Insight: How to Tackle Challenges After a Loss
The passing away of a loved one leaves a void that's difficult to fill. You're suddenly thrust into an emotional rollercoaster, wondering how to go on without that essential person in your life. To help you navigate this challenging chapter, here are some concrete strategies to manage both your emotional and practical needs during this trying time. Embrace Your Emotions Validate Your Feelings: Feelings of loss, sadness, or even anger are natural. Acknowledge them without judgment. Remember … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Insight: How to Tackle Challenges After a Loss
What Is Probate and Why Do People Avoid It?
Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone dies, where their assets are distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries. While probate can be a necessary and important process, it can also be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for those involved. For this reason, many people choose to avoid probate altogether. In this post, we will explore why you would want to avoid probate. Time-Consuming One of the main reasons people want to avoid probate is because it can be a lengthy … [Read more...] about What Is Probate and Why Do People Avoid It?
Yes, You Need an Estate Plan! (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses his new book "Yes, You Need an Estate Plan!" Justin illustrates in this Vlog that everyone over the age of 18 needs some sort of estate plan, and the documents which should be included in an estate plan can change over the course of someone's life. For more information on Justin's book, visit www.attorneyoffice.com/book. … [Read more...] about Yes, You Need an Estate Plan! (VIDEO)
It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. An Estate Plan includes various different moving parts. The Revocable Trust may be the keystone of the plan, but it’s important to consider how the other parts of the plan will work with…or against…the plan. Let’s look at a simple example. John had three children and he wished to leave his assets to them equally. He had $6 million in various assets. John hired an … [Read more...] about It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions (VIDEO)
In this video, Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales answers LGBTQ+ frequently asked estate planning questions. … [Read more...] about LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions (VIDEO)
What is a Death Probate? (VIDEO)
In this video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses the death probate. In California, if a decedent passes away with more than $166,250* in assets in their name (not held in Trust), then their assets may be subject to the death probate. In California, a probate attorney is paid a statutory amount which is the same whether you hire an experienced probate attorney, or one who is inexperienced. When you are looking for a probate attorney, you should focus your search on finding an attorney … [Read more...] about What is a Death Probate? (VIDEO)
Planning is Critical
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Sometimes people seem to think that if they don’t plan for death, it just won’t happen. In fact, 58% of American adults have no will, no trust, and no estate plan at all, according to a recent study by Caring.com. Unfortunately, whether you plan for it or not, death is inevitable. If you have no plan, your state of residence has a plan for you, it’s called … [Read more...] about Planning is Critical
Gift Now or Let Them Inherit?
by Justin M. Kennedy, Attorney at Law Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law Recently I met with a client, Tammy, who wanted to immediately gift her home to her son, Eugene. Even though Tammy already had a comprehensive estate plan with our office that included a Living Trust, Tammy had talked with her friends who suggested gifting the home now was in her best interests. When I asked more questions, Tammy shared that one of her friends, Mike, had died without a Living Trust … [Read more...] about Gift Now or Let Them Inherit?
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is part of a series of 6 blogs on important estate planning considerations. I’ll intersperse these blogs with other timely blogs. The first article in the series showed how an estate plan prepares one for incapacity during life and not just for the distribution of assets at death. The second article in the series focused on how an estate plan should take into … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
