Estate Planning

A guardianship is a legal relationship in which a court appoints one person, called a guardian, to make personal, health, welfare, and care decisions for another person, called the ward or “protected person.” Guardianship can apply to minor children or to incapacitated adults. Although both are handled under the Probate Code, the legal standards and procedures differ depending on whether the protected person is a minor or…

A power of attorney is a legal document in which one person, called the principal, authorizes another person, called the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on the principal’s behalf. The agent may be given authority to handle financial, legal, property, business, or other matters, depending on the terms of the document. A power of attorney is an important estate planning tool because it allows a trusted…

An estate plan is a coordinated set of legal documents that governs the management, protection, and disposition of a person’s assets and personal decision-making authority during incapacity and after death. An estate plan mitigates probate delays, reduces administrative costs, and provides clarity to loved ones. Four foundational components typically include a will, a trust, a power of attorney, and an…

Why You Should Have an Estate Plan: Top Five Reasons An estate plan is more than a will. It is a coordinated set of instruments that governs decision making during incapacity and the disposition of property at death. A thoughtfully designed plan protects loved ones, preserves privacy, reduces delay and expense, and aligns outcomes with personal, financial, and familial objectives.…