How to Write a Will Without a Lawyer: Complete DIY Guide By Sandra McCarthy|November 29th, 2023|Wills, Estate Planning| A will is more than just a legal document; it's a declaration of your intentions, a testament to your wishes, and a safeguard for your loved ones. With a will, you not only ensure financial stability for those left behind but also guarantee that your assets are distributed as you desire. According to the [...] Read More 0
How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer: Complete DIY Guide By Sandra McCarthy|October 10th, 2023|Probate| Navigating the intricacies of the legal world can often feel daunting, especially when dealing with matters as sensitive as a loved one's last wishes. The question of how to probate a will without a lawyer is increasingly prevalent as individuals seek ways to streamline the process and retain more control. Probate is the formal process [...] Read More 0
Is a Californian Advance Health Care Directive Part of a Living Will? By Sandra McCarthy|June 27th, 2022|California Courts, Estate Planning| If you want to do some estate planning, where should you begin? For many, the first stop is probably healthcare. However, healthcare and legal terms can get confusing fast for laypeople. Two terms come up a lot during estate planning for medical care—"living will" and "advanced healthcare directive." Is a Californian Advance Health Care [...] Read More 0
What Does Probate a Will Mean? By Sandra McCarthy|September 6th, 2021|Probate| Just like birth, death is a constant in the cycle of human life. Every living thing will die someday and as of now, no one has figured out a way to live forever (even though a lot of people want to). So, as much as we would like to live forever, it’s smart to [...] Read More 0
What If the Executor Does Not Probate the Will in California? By Sandra McCarthy|August 9th, 2021|California Courts, Estate Planning, Probate| Most of us have no idea when we’re going to die. To live life to the fullest during the time they have, some people choose to spend their resources lavishly and give no thought to what will happen when they’re gone. However, the same thing cannot be said of examples of people who [...] Read More 0
Last Will By vitalinbound|March 1st, 2021| California Last Will Estate Plan Choose who gets your property and who will care for your children Save up to $200 on document preparation with our will package. Your last will defines: Who receives your possessions when you pass away Who cares for your minor children if you are unable [...] Read More Comments Off on Last Will
Will Package By vitalinbound|March 1st, 2021| California Estate Plan Will Package Create your will today Save up to $200 on document preparation with our will package. These three documents define: Who receives your possessions when you pass away Who cares for your minor children if you are unable to Your end-of-life decisions and who can speak [...] Read More Comments Off on Will Package
How will my doctor determine I can’t make decisions for myself? By Sandra McCarthy|February 26th, 2021|Healthcare Directive FAQs| Doctors evaluate your decision-making based on your ability to understand treatment options and communication of your wishes. Read More 0
Where should I keep my will after I sign it? By Sandra McCarthy|February 25th, 2021|Will FAQs| Keep your will in a safe, easily accessible place after it is signed. Be sure the executor you appointed knows where it is kept. Read More 0
What makes a will legally binding in California? By Sandra McCarthy|February 25th, 2021|Will FAQs| Wills are legally binding if the following criteria are met: You must be of sound mind You must be acting of your own free will without undue influence or duress from others The will must be signed and witnessed according to the applicable laws of California Read More 0
When is a will sufficient for California estate planning? By Sandra McCarthy|February 25th, 2021|Will FAQs| A will is sufficient if: The total value of your assets at the date of your death is less than $166,250, excluding any asset which has a beneficiary provision and any asset which is in joint tenancy (or other multiple tenancy). The value of your real property at the date of your death is less [...] Read More 0
California Proposition 19: How Will Estate Planning Change in February 2021? By Sandra McCarthy|February 13th, 2021|Estate Planning| Children inheriting property from their parents will face significant financial consequences once California Proposition 19 (Prop 19) comes into effect on February 16, 2021. California voters approved Prop 19 on November 3, 2020, through the Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act. The law has two [...] Read More Comments Off on California Proposition 19: How Will Estate Planning Change in February 2021?
What happens if I die without a will? By Sandra McCarthy|February 12th, 2021|Estate Planning FAQs, Will FAQs| If you die without a will you will not be able to choose who receives your assets. Instead, your closest relatives or heirs inherit your wealth according to intestate succession laws. Intestate succession laws control which surviving family members of the decedent inherit their assets after probate when the person did not leave a will. The statutory [...] Read More 0
Intestate Succession in California: What Happens When There’s No Will? By Sandra McCarthy|February 11th, 2021|Succession, California Courts| Intestate succession in California is a critical legal process that comes into play when an individual passes away without a valid will. Governed by specific state statutes, these laws dictate the distribution of a decedent's property to surviving heirs. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how California's intestate succession laws function, outlining the [...] Read More 51
How will my marital assets and debts be divided? By Sandra McCarthy|January 13th, 2021|Divorce FAQs| Although California community property laws require courts to divide marital assets between both spouses 50/50, the parties can mutually agree to any other division they feel is fair and equitable. If the parties do not agree, then most likely the court will divide all community assets and debts down the middle between both parties. This [...] Read More Comments Off on How will my marital assets and debts be divided?
How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer in California By Sandra McCarthy|December 29th, 2020|Estate Planning| When a loved one passes away, you may face the overwhelming task of settling their estate. Unfortunately, for some people, juggling attorney fees on top of funeral costs and other expenses can make probate an impossible task. If this sounds like a familiar situation, you may want to look into how to probate a will without a lawyer. Read More Comments Off on How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer in California
The Downside of Holographic Wills in California By Sandra McCarthy|August 25th, 2020|Estate Planning| Holographic wills are estate planning documents that the testator writes and signs completely by hand. Furthermore, testators are not required to sign these documents in front of witnesses. As a result, probate courts often deem holographic wills invalid! That said, if you choose to create a holographic will, there are several elements you MUST include to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Read More Comments Off on The Downside of Holographic Wills in California
Dying Without a Will in California By Sandra McCarthy|August 16th, 2020|Estate Planning| Dying without a will in California subjects your estate to California intestate succession laws. In other words, the court will distribute your property depending on your living relatives. For example, your assets may go to a spouse or your children. However, if you want your property distributed in a certain manner, contact A People's Choice today. We can help you prepare a will or other estate planning documents to protect your assets upon your death. Read More Comments Off on Dying Without a Will in California
How Often Should You Update Your Living Trust and Will – And Can You Do it Without a Lawyer? By Sandra McCarthy|August 13th, 2020|Estate Planning| Do you have to update your living trust and will? If so, how often, and under what circumstances? Read on to learn more about revising your living trust and will, and how you can do it WITHOUT hiring an attorney! Then, contact A People's Choice to inquire about our estate planning services. Read More 6
California Probate Without a Will By Sandra McCarthy|July 30th, 2020|Probate| Usually, the probate process utilizes a decedent's will to determine how the estate will be divided. However, when a will is missing, incomplete, or invalid, the court follows the California Intestate Succession Laws instead. Read on to learn more about how these laws work and how you can complete the process process without an attorney, even if you're missing a will! Read More 4