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)
Estate Planning: Make Today the Day
Studies are conducted periodically to gain an understanding of the estate planning preparedness of adults in the United States. Unfortunately, the results are never encouraging. Most people that are over 65 have a will or some other estate planning document, but a significant percentage of people in this age group do not. The vast majority of Americans that are under the age of 40 are completely unprepared. If you are a young adult and you are single, you should have a will or a trust, but … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Make Today the Day
4 Roles for a Will (Video)
We see Wills in movies and TV shows all the time – people are always talking about creating or updating their Wills, but what does a Will do? In this video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses the 4 roles of a Will. Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. If you would like to learn more about the importance of estate planning, we invite you to attend one of our free estate planning seminars. … [Read more...] about 4 Roles for a Will (Video)
When You Love Your New Spouse, But You Love Your Kids More
Whether You Should Disinherit Your New Spouse and How California Law Protects Your Omitted Surviving Spouse by Magdalena A. LaBranch-Gonzales Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law What happens if you marry your spouse after you created your estate plan but they are not mentioned in your plan when you die? California considers that person an “omitted spouse.”[i] An “omitted spouse” is a spouse who married the decedent after the estate plan was already created but … [Read more...] about When You Love Your New Spouse, But You Love Your Kids More
You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. On a hot summer day, few things are more fun than swimming. Hannah Collins went swimming on such a day in the Edisto river near Charleston, South Carolina. She swam often and was nicknamed “river rat” by her father. But, while swimming one summer day, she became infected by an unseen danger, a rare amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, which is known as the “brain-eating … [Read more...] about You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
Why Would I Want a Revocable Living Trust?
If you would like to learn more about revocable living trusts, attend one of our free living trust seminars: https://www.attorneyoffice.com/seminars/ … [Read more...] about Why Would I Want a Revocable Living Trust?
