When you die, your biggest assets may have to pass through the California probate courts. Probate proceedings often mean that your family members have to wait months before they have access to or control over your property. Probate also means that your assets could...

As a parent, you may take great pleasure in watching the maturation and success of your children. You may also dote on your grandchildren and want to give them the same opportunities you gave your own children. If you die without a will, your assets will first go to...

Many Americans put off estate planning. While many do so because they don't feel that they're old enough to engage in it, others do because they don't feel they have adequate assets to leave behind. There's so much more to estate planning besides passing on your...

Cryptocurrency is currently a hot trend for investors these days. Many who enjoy taking speculative risks with their discretionary funds have invested significant sums in the various crypto offerings — Bitcoin, Etherium, Dogecoin, etc. But problems can emerge as you...

People often wonder what the value of a pet trust is, but if you have an award-winning dog or have a breeding line of pups, you know how much those animals are worth. On top of that, your pets are prized family members, and you want to make sure that they are cared...

You’ve prospered in life, and you have much to pass onto your heirs -- and that includes family heirlooms. Unlike money in a bank account or a pile of stocks, heirloom items are much harder to divide. They often pose a logistical and emotional hurdle when someone is...

Estate planning in California often involves multiple steps. You may need to create and fund a trust, record your medical preferences in a living will and even update an existing estate plan when your family relationships or personal holdings change.  Making sure that...

Countless big-name companies operate out of San Jose. You might have amassed significant wealth if you work for one of them and want to leave it behind for your kids when you're gone. You may worry about how well they'll manage a sizable inheritance, though. Many...

You’ve been fortunate enough to finally be able to make that Lake Tahoe vacation home you’ve owned for decades your primary residence in retirement. Your children have never tired of spending their vacations there and continue to do so now that they’re grown.  Now...

Traveling whenever you want can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. You get to experience adventure, nature and diverse cultures. People who travel after retirement or take frequent family vacations tend to be detail-oriented, making sure to address any issues that...