You have worked hard to get where you are in life. Maybe you started a business, own a home and property, or have made wise investments. As you think about the future, it’s important to decide how you want those assets distributed and to make a plan to ensure those decisions are implemented. Sometimes people […]
As the parent of a child with special needs, it can be difficult to think about the future when you will no longer be able to personally provide the loving care your child needs and deserves. One important way that you can continue to provide for your child, however, is to have an estate plan […]
The short answer is: it depends. Navigating what happens after inheriting an IRA (individual retirement) account can seem overwhelming, but we at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri are here to help you know your options and determine your next steps. Estate planning is one of our areas of expertise, and we are more than happy to […]
When should you begin starting your estate plan? The short answer is: if you’re reading this, it’s time. There are many misconceptions about the estate planning process and we are here to break it down so you don’t have to. While a portion of estate planning does refer to the management of any of your […]
No one likes to think about their mortality, but it is essential to plan for the future. It is tempting to put off creating your estate plan, but what happens if you wait too long? Creating an estate plan is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. […]
Oftentimes, estate planning can be misconstrued with needing to have a substantial amount of wealth – but that is not the case. Estate planning is a great way to make sure that your wishes are carried out regardless of your financial status. Protecting your assets and loved ones is essential in understanding the importance of […]
Very few people want to see an estate end up in probate. It is an expensive and lengthy process that requires a judge to validate and authenticate your will and name an executor. Creditors must then be notified and paid off before distributing your assets to the beneficiaries. There are a few ways to prevent […]
Power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone to act on behalf of another person. The person who designates power of attorney is the principal. The person acting on behalf of the principal is known as the agent. This can be helpful if you need to delegate authority temporarily to manage finances, […]
No one wants to think about estate planning, but it’s a critical part of life. As you grow older, it becomes increasingly important to have a solid plan. A well-drafted plan can ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass and help minimize the tax burden and emotional stress on your […]
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make decisions on their behalf if they can no longer do so themselves. However, California has specific criteria for a durable power of attorney to be legally binding. You will want to make sure you understand those […]