Problems with DIY Estate PLanning

Posted by Martin JohnsonMar 18, 20240 Comments

Creating an estate plan is a crucial step in managing your assets and ensuring your wishes are respected after your passing. However, when laypeople attempt to create their own estate plans without professional guidance, they often encounter several common problems. These issues can lead to unint...

Navigating the Risks of Future Divorce Claims on Assets in Walnut Creek Without Proper Estate Planning

Posted by Martin JohnsonJan 26, 20240 Comments

In the affluent area of Walnut Creek, CA, estate planning takes on added significance due to the complexities of managing substantial assets. One critical aspect often overlooked is the potential impact of future divorce claims on these assets. Without proper estate planning, the division of assets in a divorce can significantly affect the intended distribution of your wealth, not just for you but also for your heirs. This blog post examines the implications of inadequate estate planning on future divorce claims and how to mitigate these risks.

The Risks of Asset Mismanagement in the Absence of Proper Estate Planning

Posted by Martin JohnsonJan 24, 20240 Comments

Estate planning is a crucial process that goes beyond deciding who inherits your assets. It's about ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes and in the best interest of your beneficiaries. Without a proper estate plan, the risk of assets being misused or mishandled increases significantly, leading to potential financial losses and family disputes. This blog post explores the consequences of inadequate estate planning and highlights the importance of creating a comprehensive plan.

Overcoming Family Communication Barriers in Estate Planning

Posted by Martin JohnsonJan 21, 20240 Comments

Estate planning is a critical process for mass affluent families, not only for wealth preservation but also for ensuring harmony and respect among family members. However, this process can become mired in misunderstandings and conflicts, primarily due to communication barriers. Such barriers range from simple misunderstandings to deep-rooted family conflicts, often exacerbated by the emotional nature of estate planning. In this article, we explore these communication challenges and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. The goal is to foster open dialogue, mutual understanding, and effective collaboration, paving the way for estate plans that reflect the true wishes and needs of the family. By addressing these barriers head-on, families can create a lasting legacy that honors their values and strengthens their bonds for generations to come.

Understanding Living Trusts and Estate Planning in Walnut Creek

Posted by Martin JohnsonJan 18, 20240 Comments

Estate planning: it's a phrase that might conjure up images of wealthy families in grand mansions, but it's a crucial process for everyone, regardless of the size of your estate. In the scenic city of Walnut Creek, California, estate planning takes on unique nuances due to specific state laws and the lifestyle of its residents. So, why is it important, and how does it tie into your life?

Protecting Your Beneficiaries from Creditors

Posted by Martin JohnsonMar 14, 20230 Comments

When establishing your trust, you may want to protect your beneficiaries from their creditors.  For example, you may be concerned that after you die your beneficiary will assign their interest in the trust to someone else; or a creditor may try to levy your beneficiaries’ interest in the trust. To protect your beneficiaries, you can establish three different types of trusts: Spendthrift Trust; Support Trust; or Discretionary Trust.

How to Administer a Trust

Posted by Martin JohnsonJan 29, 20230 Comments

Trust Administration is a process most families must undergo after the death of a parent to administer the trust estate and distribute the assets.  If you are currently the named Successor Trustee of a Trust or have been named to be the Successor Trustee in the future, here is what you need to know:

Myths We Tell Ourselves about Estate Planning

Posted by Martin JohnsonSep 18, 20220 Comments

Estate planning can be a very difficult process. While it is not brain surgery, making the decision to move forward with an estate plan requires us to face the fact that we will not live forever. This thought stops many people in their tracks. Others talk themselves out of seeing a qualified attorney to create an estate plan because of the following common myths.

Revocable Trusts

Posted by Martin JohnsonAug 17, 20220 Comments

Revocable trusts, which are sometimes referred to as revocable living trusts, offer many benefits with the primary one being the ability to control your assets during your lifetime. Of course, the other main benefit is the ability to dissolve the trust if and when necessary. There are, of course, other advantages as well as some disadvantages that you should consider.

Irrevocable Trusts

Posted by Martin JohnsonAug 11, 20220 Comments

Irrevocable trusts can be an important component of estate plans. Much of it depends on the purpose of the trust. There are many considerations, however, that must be taken into account before creating one.  At 360 Estate Planning, Inc, our estate planning attorney in California will thoroughly review your needs and wants when planning your estate and provide an outline of your best options, including the creation of an irrevocable trust. Contact us either online or at (925) 289-8837 to schedule a free consultation today.