California Estate Planning

Synopsis: What happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death. For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes such as family or special charities it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations. To ensure your assets are protected and final wishes are carried out, there are some common actions that should be taken now. Proper estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs. Your estate plan should also allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should detail what you own and whom you want to leave it to at a time of your choosing and the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is having your estate drained of value through taxes and legal costs. The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Michigan will help you glide through this complicated process. This new book has been adapted to offer Ohio residents state-specific advice for estate planning. Co-authors Margo Pierce and Linda C. Ashar, attorneys at law, have crafted an estate planning primer, allowing Michigan residents to become more informed and more involved during the process. Many books on estate planning indicate you do not need the services of an attorney, but this book highly recommends using an attorney versed in this area: You should not go through the process alone. This book is intended explain the complicated issues, terminology, and planning strategies of estate planning so when you do meet with a qualified attorney, you will be well prepared. You will understand the legal terms and be ready to discuss issues and strategies with familiarity, saving you time and legal fees and ensuring peace of mind. Michigan -specific information is offered throughout this book, including: Michigan's probate code; Michigan rules, regulations, and laws specific to estate planning; elements of a valid Michigan will; planning your living will in Michigan; explanations of Michigan laws regarding durable health care power of attorneys, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and directives to withhold CPR. The book's easy-to-understand context clarifies this complicated and sensitive subject and gives readers the power to take control of their future. This book also offers an overview of abatement rules, settlement costs, guardianship and minor children, executors and trustees, life insurance, potential long-term care needs, marital deductions, types of trusts, gift splitting, survivorship deeds, 529 plans, reducing or eliminating estate taxes, avoiding tax on life insurance, using insurance to pay estate taxes, gift tax issues, generation skipping transfer tax, and tax-deferred accounts. Estate planning should be a positive experience. It involves reviewing your situation and planning for your future. Although few people want to think about the possibility of disability or disease, advance planning is also a way to show your love and to reduce potential distress later. Other books offer a non-state-specific overview of estate planning, causing many readers to be misinformed about rules and regulations particular to their state; but, this new book provides information Michigan residents need to know. Do not get outdated or wrong information that does not pertain to you specifically. Use this new book to craft an estate plan that is not only legally sound but also fully carries out your last wishes and protects your loved ones.

Finally, an Estate Planning Guide for Californians Every Californian’s Guide to Estate Planning helps you understand the basics of leaving money and property to loved ones and charities, and naming a guardian for children—with a special focus on issues unique to California, like: how community property rules affect inheritance and taxes how to minimize capital gains for those inheriting high value real estate legal and tax rules that apply to non-citizens and U.S. permanent residents important issues for international guardians, trustees, and executors how to understand the impact of “Prop 19,” and make sure your heirs don’t lose a low (“Prop 13”) property tax rate, and how to avoid California’s slow and expensive probate system through options such as transfer-on-death deeds. With Downloadable Worksheets Includes access to essential worksheets that help you get started on writing a will, preparing a trust, choosing a guardian, leaving money to kids, naming beneficiaries, choosing agents for your health care directive and power of attorney for finances, doing a personal inventory, and more. details inside.

This one-of-a-kind guide covers everything from wills and living trusts to tax-saving strategies and issues that are unique to people who call California home.

Covers everything from the basics about wills and living trusts to sophisticated tax-saving strategies for all estates, large and small.

Its the only sure thing in life and Harold I. Boucher's comprehensive book helps Californians prepare for it. An essential tool, California Living Trusts and Wills covers everything readers need to know before they see an estate-planning lawyer, including how, why and when to use one, and how to choose the best one for their needs. The best and easiest way to prepare for the inevitable, this book helps readers feel secure that their final directives will be followed. Straightforward, concise and clearly written for everyday people and professionals alike, it offers the most priceless commodity of all: peace of mind. Vital information includes: -- Overview of living trusts and wills -- Fill-in-the-blanks California Statutory Will -- Durable powers of attorney -- California Medical Association's Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions -- Explanation of your right to make decisions about medical treatment -- California Natural Death Act Declarations -- Estate-planning questionnaire -- How to choose an estate-planning attorney

Estate planning books often fall into two categories: Those that are overwhelming and full of jargon, focusing on strategies to avoid taxes, or those that provide a general overview of wills, trusts, and estate planning tools and issues at a basic level. Every Californian's Guide to Estate Planning is different: It focuses on estate planning issues that are unique to people who call California home.

Learn the system, minimize fees When you’ve lost a loved one, the inevitable legal matters can seem difficult and confusing. Learning about probate and taking on some of the bureaucratic tasks yourself can provide clarity, peace of mind, and reduced legal fees. How to Probate an Estate in California explains how to handle a simple estate and makes clear which tasks you may be able to manage without a lawyer. Find out how to: determine who inherits property collect life insurance and other death benefits use non-court transfer procedures complete and file court paperwork pay bills and file taxes, and transfer property to heirs and beneficiaries. Whether you plan to do most of the duties yourself or expect to work with an attorney, How to Probate an Estate in California will save you time and increase your confidence when wrapping up your loved one’s estate. With Downloadable Forms We’ll show you where to find all the forms you need online—either on this book’s unique web page or on court websites (details inside).