Category Archives: Family

Surprisingly, knowing your family tree is essential in settling your trust or estate (and in any conservatorship proceeding)

Family

Due process and California law requires that your closest blood relatives* be notified by the person in charge of your estate if you died or became incompetent in each of these California contexts: If probate is required because you died without a will, your administrator must notify your heirs*, as your heirs are those who … Continue reading Surprisingly, knowing your family tree is essential in settling your trust or estate (and in any conservatorship proceeding) →

If a parent abandons a child, should that parent be allowed to inherit if (years later) the child died without a will?

Family, Probate

Historically, both parents have had a legal right to inherit from a child who died without a will, if that child died with no spouse, no registered domestic partner, and no descendants. This has long been the law in California, even in cases where a parent abandoned the child from birth, sometimes resulting in grossly … Continue reading If a parent abandons a child, should that parent be allowed to inherit if (years later) the child died without a will? →

Who should serve as guardian of the person for your minor children?

Family

Every parent knows how important it is to select a guardian for minor children. Many parents find this decision to be terribly stressful. Here are some tips to help with deciding whom to nominate as the guardian of your child if neither parent is living  (or if both parents became incompetent). In California, there are … Continue reading Who should serve as guardian of the person for your minor children? →

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Estate Planning, Family

It’s wise to review your insurance policies annually, especially the adequacy and coverage of the policies. Confer with your insurance agent about your homeowner (or renter’s), landlord, auto, boat, business, umbrella, and liability policies to make sure that your assets are protected in the event of damage and that you are protected from the risks associated with your … Continue reading Review Your Insurance Coverage →