California parents often have to take care of several different things at home before they travel. Obviously, child care is a main issue. Another matter that might not immediately come to mind is that of estate planning. Many people try to avoid the topic, while others see it as a high priority.
Advocates of thorough estate planning say it provides peace of mind, especially for couples with young children. Parents can include special documents in their plans to designate a particular person or persons as legal guardians should both parents die or become incapacitated. If a tragedy were to occur that claimed the lives of both parents and no set plan were in place, such matters would be decided by the state.
Generally speaking, it’s best not to devise a plan, sign it, then move on without ever reviewing it again. To the contrary, a well-designed plan includes regular review and careful updates as needed. If an estate owner names his or her first spouse as a beneficiary and ends up remarrying at some point, complications may arise if the original estate plan is not updated.
There is no right or wrong as to which documents are included in the estate planning process. One may include a living will but no trusts. Others may wish to focus on advanced medical directives and ensuring that all assets are distributed to people of their own choosing rather than allowing a probate court to make such decisions. The process ranges from simple to extremely complex, and anyone in California with questions about estate law may seek answers by contacting a probate and estate administration attorney.
Source: myprogress.com, “Estate Planning Provides Peace“, Jefferey J. McKenna, Jan. 25, 2017
