Many people spend a lifetime accumulating their wealth because they hope to leave a legacy behind for their heirs -- and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, however, they worry what will happen if they hand that money over too freely. That’s where incentive...
Year: 2020
Grandparents can use estate planning to provide for their grandchildren
You were happy when you found out that you were going to become a grandparent. It was fantastic news, and you’re elated that your family will be expanding. You want to do something that will help your grandchild in the future, but you’re not sure what. One thing you...
How does the division of marital property work in a California divorce?
Unless there are minor children involved, the division of a couple’s marital property is often the most difficult and stressful part of a divorce. The more you know about how things work, however, the easier it is to plan your future. California is a community...
Retirement funds: accessing the nest egg in a coronavirus era
In the September issue of the Contra Costa Lawyer magazine, Doyle Quane’s own J. Virginia Peiser provides an overview of how to access retirement funds in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia represents investors and owners of closely held businesses in...
Should your child play a role in your divorce decision-making?
You and your spouse have been working to put together a parenting plan that takes your child’s best interests into account. Unfortunately, there are some stumbling blocks and you’ve been unable to come up with a final solution. At this point, you think that a good...
Divorce will necessitate changes in your estate plans
Just as marriage will change your approach to estate planning, the same holds true of divorce. If you find yourself heading down this path, it’s critical that you review your estate plan and alter it accordingly. While this means something different to everyone, here...
Why you need an advance health care directive
An advance health care directive is one of the most important documents that any Californian of any age can have in their estate plan. However, it’s also one of the most emotionally challenging for many people to draw up. That’s because it addresses your wishes for a...
A solid estate plan can reduce family conflict when you die
Conflict, arguments and differences of opinion are a basic part of being in a family. Siblings often playfully fight with one another and sometimes have deep-seated resentment toward each other because of things that happened decades ago. If you know that your...
Make an estate plan after these life events
Technically, everyone should have some sort of estate plan. It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’re married, or even if you have children. You’re simply better off with a plan in place. Realistically, though, most people put off this type of planning and do...
What happens if you die without an estate plan in California?
It is basic human nature to want to delay handling difficult and unpleasant tasks. Estate planning means thinking about what happens after you die, which is far from an enjoyable pastime. However, when you don't sit down to handle estate planning decisions, you leave...