Common law marriage generally refers to a marriage that is considered valid by both partners, but has not been formally registered with a state or church registry, or a formal religious service. It is only available in a limited number of places and is not available in California. Most jurisdictions in which common law marriages… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
Why Do You Need An Estate Plan?- Part Two
Think about your children for a moment. As YOU get older, your kids begin to be concerned that there might be a mess to sort out when you are gone. They probably find it very difficult to talk about this with you, perhaps because they are afraid you will think they want you to die…. Read more »
Why Do You Need An Estate Plan?- Part One
Many people think that if they are not rich, they don’t need an estate plan. Many more people figure that “things will just work out” when they die. The vast majority of people don’t like to think about dying.Many people think that if they are not rich, they don’t need an estate plan. Many more… Read more »
Does a Trust Protect Me From Creditors?
A trust does NOT protect you from creditors. One of the wonderful things about a trust is that it is so very, very easy to deal with after you set it up. There are no formalities to follow, no forms to file, no permission to ask. You DO have to title you assets into your… Read more »
Do I Already Have an Estate Plan?
You probably believe that you don’t have an estate plan. However, everyone already has an estate plan. It’s not a very good one, but it’s a plan. The people who write California laws know that too many people never get around to writing even so simple a thing as a handwritten will. Many more than… Read more »
Why would I want an estate plan?
Many people put off creating an estate plan. Maybe the thought of planning for the end of your life and after is frightening or disturbing. Maybe you think you and your belongings aren’t worth enough to need an estate plan. Maybe you assume the state will handle you assets appropriately. Unfortunately, a lot can go… Read more »