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 [...]
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 when [...]
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 FamiliesPalm Springs is renowned for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community. If you're part of this community, it's essential to ensure your estate plan fully protects [...]
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 SuccessionWhen 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 Be DistributedUnder [...]
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.
What happens to your accounts and files when you become incapacitated or pass away? Learn more about digital assets and estate planning.
Your Advance Health Care Directive allows you to make important health care decisions and designate an agent to carry out your wishes in the event you are incapacitated. A "Living Will" and "Power of Attorney for Health Care" are similar documents used in other states, but in California, the Advance Health Care Directive (“AHCD”) is the estate planning document that is used to let your wishes regarding medical decisions be known.
Are you in a same-sex relationship? Are you married or domestic partners? Have you and your same-sex partner talked to an estate planning attorney, or even given estate planning a second thought? If not, you need to consider doing so sooner rather than later, not only to protect your partner, but to protect yourself as well.Each state provides a default estate plan if you fail to plan your estate. This default estate plan comes in a one-size-fits-all rule for what happens to your property [...]