The F-Word That Can Break Your Estate Plan: Funding Let’s talk about the F-word. No, not that one. We’re talking about funding—and if your trust isn’t funded, your estate plan might not work the way you think it will. Many people walk out of their attorney’s office, binder in hand, feeling accomplished. The trust is…
Does Your Fiduciary Have the Information Needed to File a Death Certificate? When someone passes away, one of the first legal steps is completing the death certificate. It’s required for funeral arrangements, accessing financial accounts, claiming benefits, and beginning estate administration. As part of a well-prepared estate plan, it’s important to ensure your fiduciary—the person you’ve…
When Should a Child Get Full Access to Their Inheritance? Balancing Maturity, Milestones, and Meaning in Your Estate Plan One of the most important—and most personal—decisions you’ll make when setting up a trust for your children is deciding when they should receive full access to the assets. While age benchmarks are common, many families today are also…
No-Contest Clauses in California: What Tony Hsieh’s Will Teaches Us About Protecting Your Wishes When Zappos co-founder Tony Hsieh passed away in 2020, it was widely believed he didn’t leave behind a will. But a recently discovered document shows that not only did he have a plan—he had some strong opinions about how that plan…
Edie Ceccarelli, a 114-year-old woman from Mendocino County, California, was recently confirmed as the world’s third oldest person. Her longevity is a testament to her good health and strong spirit, but it also highlights the importance of estate planning.
