Although it may be difficult to envision a future where you are incapacitated and unable to care for yourself and/or manage your affairs, doing so now ensures that you retain control over who will be chosen to make decisions for you and manage your affairs for you. If you fail to plan ahead for the possibility of your own incapacity, it may be left up to a court to make that decision. A Los Angeles probate attorney from Collins Law Firm explains how careful planning now could avoid … [Read more...] about Can I Avoid Conservatorship?
Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
Today, the world is much smaller than it was just a few generations ago – at least it may seem that way given how easy it is to move across national borders. The ease with which we can all move away, however, can make it difficult to care for an aging parent when the time comes that care is needed. Consequently, you may find yourself providing care from afar. If so, a Los Angeles elder law attorney at Collins Law Firm offers some tips for those who are providing care … [Read more...] about Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
Choosing An Executor & Its Importance
Choosing an executor of your estate does not have to be a difficult process, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. For most people, the first estate planning document they create is a Last Will and Testament. When you create your Will, it is likely that your focus will be on the gifts that you wish to leave your loved ones. While the distribution of your estate assets is an important aspect of creating your Will, the appointment of an Executor is also important. In … [Read more...] about Choosing An Executor & Its Importance
5 Things You Need to Know about Wills and Trusts
Estate planning can seem a little overwhelming to someone who is new to the concept. Knowing that the components that make up your estate plan will likely represent the most important set of legal documents you execute over the course of your life can be intimidating. Along with the need to make potentially life-altering decisions, you will also need to work with estate planning tools and strategies that are unfamiliar to you. Among the most basic of those tools is a Last Will and Testament and … [Read more...] about 5 Things You Need to Know about Wills and Trusts
Mistakes to Avoid in Your Estate Plan
Creating a well-thought-out estate plan is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and to your loved ones. Unfortunately, however, it is easy to make mistakes when it comes to estate planning. A mistake can cost you, or your loved ones, a considerable amount of time and money. An Inglewood estate planning lawyer at Collins Law Firm discusses three estate planning mistakes you want to avoid making. Waiting to Plan. One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to the need for … [Read more...] about Mistakes to Avoid in Your Estate Plan
How Will You Manage Your Property If You Are Incapacitated?
Estate planning typically focuses primarily on how assets will be distributed after death. While you undoubtedly want to make decisions about the distribution of your estate assets after you are gone, your estate plan should also address the possibility of the need to manage your assets while you are still here. Toward that end, a Los Angeles estate planning attorney at Collins Law Firm discusses alternatives for managing property when you are incapacitated. The Reality of Incapacity When … [Read more...] about How Will You Manage Your Property If You Are Incapacitated?
When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your Beneficiary Designations?
If you have a comprehensive estate plan in place already, you are ahead of over half the population in the United States. Clearly, you understand the importance of having an estate plan as well as the benefits derived from a well thought out plan. Don’t make the mistake, however, of thinking you no longer need to worry about your estate plan. For your plan to provide maximum benefits, it must be reviewed and revised from time to time. To illustrate this point, a Windsor Hills estate planning … [Read more...] about When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your Beneficiary Designations?
How Estate Planning Documents Help Prevent Elder Abuse
As loved ones and parents age, they become more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. This article explores how a solid estate plan can help protect the elderly from becoming victims. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about How Estate Planning Documents Help Prevent Elder Abuse
Estate Planning Reduces Stress During High Anxiety Times
During times of high stress such as tragedy or emergency, we tend to feel helpless. This article explores how a comprehensive estate plan helps reduce anxiety in uncertain times. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Reduces Stress During High Anxiety Times
What Type of Will Do I Need?
Most people have a fairly good idea of what a Will can, and cannot, do for them. What many people do not know, however, is that not all Wills are created equal. In fact, there are several different types of Wills from which to choose when creating your estate plan – and knowing which one is right for you is important. The Los Angeles estate planning lawyers at Collins Law Firm offer a brief explanation of the different types of Wills to help you decide which type of Will is right for … [Read more...] about What Type of Will Do I Need?
