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Handwritten changes to estate planning documents
Handwritten changes to estate planning documents Q. I have my estate planning documents and, boy, did I pay dearly for them! I am leaving everything to six friends and some members of my family. It kind of irks me that if I want to change the percentages or take...
Readers offer advice and warnings
Readers offer advice and warnings Q. Your column on “No services, no obituary,” struck a chord with me. I work for an heir search firm and I can’t tell you how much obituaries that are printed in papers or online help us find people. Just think of it, if a lawyer has...
No Services, No Obituary
No services, no obituary Q. A friend of mine passed away recently. It was unexpected and well before “his time.” He was married and had a daughter. His family told me he did not want any services or even an obituary. Since we were close and worked together, I have the...
Am I legally obligated to help under POA?
Am I legally obligated to help my sister? Q. About 20 years ago my sister “Ruthie” named me as her power of attorney. We got into a disagreement a few years back and have not spoken since. I prefer it this way. Recently Ruthie was diagnosed with dementia and my other...
The 10 Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Eric N. Holk, Attorney at Law 26346 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite 200, Carmel, CA 93923 • (831) 622-8808 MISTAKE #1: WILL DRAFTING ERRORS (OR NOT HAVING A WILL!) The dangers of holographic wills -- Incomplete or incorrect disposition of assets -- Problems if spouse and/or...
Common Estate Planning Terms
The list below is a list of commonly used terms in estate planning for the State of California. Administrator - The person designated by the court to manage and distribute a probate estate when there isn't a will. If there is a will, the person so designated is called...
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