by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
A Letter of Instruction is easily overlooked because it is not a legally binding document like a will, power of attorney, or other estate planning documents. The Letter of Instruction is written to heirs and fiduciaries expressing the author’s hopes for the...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
Neglecting to name a beneficiary or naming the wrong beneficiary could wipe out all of your estate planning efforts and put the disposition of your estate assets in the hands of the state. Here are some tips for getting it right: Make sure you’ve actually named...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Mar 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
A primary goal of California estate planning is making sure your assets are designated correctly so that they pass automatically, allowing an estate to avoid probate altogether. Some common examples of assets that are not subject to California probate include: A life...
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
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
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...
