Many people are asking the question: “what will happen next?”. No matter what side of recent events in our County you landed on, you likely have very strong feelings about the outcome. Many people are happy with the outcome. Many people are not. Either way, it is important for everyone to take action and do one thing: Plan ahead. While we do not know exactly what is going to happen next, we can be pretty sure that laws will change. People will be impacted. Your [...]
I recently had a client we will call John Smith. John is a widower who has three adult children and set up his living trust to provide for and protect his family. One of John’s children, we will call Meagan, is a successful businesswoman and has provided John with two wonderful grandchildren. The other two children are problem children. One of his children, who we will call Richard, is a homeless drug addict. The other child, who we will call Darlene, is married to a [...]
Proper estate planning is an important matter—but in the event of your death, not having an estate plan for your assets can make things difficult and costly for your loved ones. Without a properly drafted estate plan conveying your wishes, everything you have worked hard to achieve and protect will be controlled and distributed according to the State of California! Don’t let that happen! A Revocable Living Trust directs how your assets will be distributed and enables your successor trustee to carry out your instructions [...]
As a Palm Springs resident, you're part of a unique community with specific estate planning needs. From our vibrant LGBTQ+ population to our thriving retiree community, your Palm Springs zip code plays a crucial role in shaping your estate plan. Let's explore why location matters when it comes to protecting your legacy in our desert oasis. 1. Protecting LGBTQ+ Partners and Families Palm Springs is renowned for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community. If you're part of this community, it's essential to ensure your estate plan fully [...]
I recently had a client we will call Jane Doe. Jane came to me concerned about creating her estate plan to protect the important people in her life. Jane has a daughter, Mary, and a son, Michael. Jane's first husband (Mary & Michael's father) died 20 years ago. Jane is now living with a male companion, Joseph; they are not married. Jane and Joseph have been living together for about 5 years and are enjoying their retirement together in Southern California. Jane's daughter Mary lives [...]
At the Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph, P.C., we often see the unintended consequences when someone passes away without a will. This situation, known as dying "intestate," can leave your loved ones facing complex legal challenges. Let's explore what intestate succession means for you and your family. Understanding Intestate Succession When you die without a valid will, state laws determine how your assets are distributed. This process, called intestate succession, may not align with your wishes or your family's needs. How Your Assets May [...]
As a Palm Springs estate planning attorney, I've seen firsthand how the probate process can impact people. When a loved one passes away in California without an estate plan, their assets often go through probate - a court-supervised process that can be difficult, confusing, lengthy and expensive Probate typically takes 12 to 18 months, but can extend to years for complicated estates or if a dispute arises. This lengthy process can be emotionally draining. Probate costs often range from 3% to 7% of the total [...]
As an estate planning attorney in Palm Springs, I've witnessed firsthand the unique challenges LGBTQ individuals and couples face when planning for their future, especially those with blended families. California's default probate laws may not align with your wishes, potentially causing unintended consequences and family disputes. However, with careful planning, you can create an estate plan that respects your choices and protects your loved ones, whether they're biological or chosen family.
As you pack your bags and prepare for your next adventure, there's one crucial item that often gets overlooked: your estate plan. While it may not be as exciting as planning your itinerary or shopping for new travel gear, reviewing and updating your estate plan before you embark on your journey is just as important as remembering your passport.
Many of us are conducting business on the Internet, including online banking, shopping on Amazon, uploading files to the "cloud," posting videos on YouTube, or communicating on Facebook or Instagram. What happens to your accounts and files when you become incapacitated or pass away? Will your family have access to them? Where will they find your usernames and passwords? Who can take down your Facebook and Instagram pages, or would you prefer that they continue for posterity? And if you've saved photos, videos and other [...]