by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
A California will is a crucial document that spells out your wishes for the disposition of your assets – and once you are gone, family members cannot go back and “fix” a will that has been executed improperly. This is why it is critical to have a...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
In uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever to design an estate plan that allows you to not only protect and build upon what you have, but to also keep others from fighting over assets after you’re gone. The fundamentals of creating a solid...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a multi-acre oceanfront estate to need an estate plan. The fact is, if you are over the age of 18, you should at least execute a will to leave whatever possessions you may have to your heirs.Anyone who owns...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
According to Donate Life California, the official California organ and tissue donor registry, there are currently over 21,000 Californians awaiting an organ transplant.There continues to be an urgent need for organ donations in the U.S. and California, with over 7,000...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
The IRS recently announced that it was stepping up its enforcement of penalties assessed against taxpayers who make mistakes with their IRAs. If you inherit an IRA, you need to take specific actions within a certain timeframe or risk harsh penalties, so consulting...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
Are you wondering who is responsible for paying your debts after you die, or if you will be responsible for a loved one’s debts after they pass? This is not an uncommon concern, and aggressive debt collectors can take advantage of you or your loved ones if you...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
When you consider that 90 percent of all Americans marry at some time in their lives, half of those marriages end in divorce and 70 percent of those who divorce remarry, you can see how family feuds over inheritances are not uncommon.The incidence of family discord...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jun 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
Many people agree to become an executor of a parent or close friend’s estate without really considering what that job entails. Then the parent or friend dies, and the executor has no idea what to do to fulfill their duties. This is where the guidance of a...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jun 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
For some estates, the California probate process can take months or even years to complete. There are a number of factors that can contribute to why probate can take a long time; here are a few of those reasons:Lots of beneficiaries – the more beneficiaries...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Jun 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
It is not unusual that a family member is named as trustee for an estate that benefits a number of other family members. However, just because you are related to someone does not necessarily make him or her a good trustee for your estate. For example, in one recent...
