by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
A recent issue of Consumer Reports magazine had some important information in the form of a checklist of what to do when a loved one dies. Here are six things that should be done immediately:Obtain a legal pronouncement of death. If no doctor is present, you will need...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Starting this year, every individual can gift $14,000 each year to as many people as he or she wishes to lower his or her taxable estate. Most people leave their estate assets to loved ones in a Will or Trust, but the lifetime gift exemption of $5 million per person...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Many baby boomers have avoided creating a living will or advance health care directive because they feel young and healthy, and don’t believe they will need these important estate planning documents for a long time.Boomers are renowned for clinging to youth, but...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Trusts play an important role in protecting assets against creditors as well as providing an efficient and tax-saving way to gift and manage assets. And depending on how they are structured, trusts can also help protect assets in case of a divorce; here’s how:If...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
If it’s one thing Boomers know, it’s that life doesn’t stand still – and neither should your estate planning. This is because as we age, we may acquire more assets, divorce, remarry, have more children, want to provide for grandchildren, need...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 12, 2012 | Probate Litigation
There are two primary disadvantages of the California probate process: time and money. The California probate courts generally take an average of 7-9 months to settle an estate; a “quick” settlement in a small estate (estate value under $150,000) can take...
