When a Loved One Passes - 7 Steps Administering Their Trust | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
November 06,
2024

When a Loved One Passes: 7 Steps Administering Their Trust

Losing a loved one is challenging, and the responsibility of managing their estate can add to this difficulty. If you’re entrusted with administering a living trust, understanding each step and your responsibilities can make the journey smoother. Trust administration can indeed be complex, but with the right guidance, it’s manageable.

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What Happens If You Can’t Access Your Spouse’s Accounts in an Emergency? | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
September 19,
2024

What Happens If You Can’t Access Your Spouse’s Accounts in an Emergency?

Recently, a woman called after her husband had suffered a severe heart attack. To her shock, she discovered that she couldn’t access their savings account because her husband was the only one named on it. Despite being married for over 12 years, she wasn’t able to transfer money to pay their bills. He had always handled their finances, and now, in a moment of crisis, she found herself with no access to the funds they relied on to keep their household running.

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Managing Out-of-State Properties in a California Estate Plan | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
September 16,
2024

Managing Out-of-State Properties in a California Estate Plan

Imagine this: you’ve spent years building your dream life in California, with everything carefully planned for your future. But what happens to that charming vacation home in Oregon, or the rental property you inherited in Nevada? How do you make sure those out-of-state properties seamlessly become part of your legacy?

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4 Types of Intellectual Property and How to Protect It with an Estate Plan | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
September 13,
2024

4 Types of Intellectual Property and How to Protect It with an Estate Plan

Let’s talk about intellectual property rights. You may have intellectual property and not even realize it. Should it be added to your estate plan? Absolutely, incorporating intellectual property into your estate planning documents can ensure your creative works, inventions, and trademarks are handled according to your wishes.

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The Hidden Dangers of DIY Estate Planning—Are You at Risk? | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
September 09,
2024

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Estate Planning—Are You at Risk?

Imagine this scenario: You’ve completed your DIY estate plan, feeling confident that you’ve protected your loved ones from probate and its associated headaches. But months or even years later, your family finds themselves unexpectedly entangled in the probate court process—exactly what you were trying to avoid. How could this happen? DIY estate plans often miss crucial legal steps that, if not handled correctly, automatically trigger probate. Whether it’s failing to transfer assets into a trust, overlooking specific legal requirements, or simply not addressing state-specific laws, these seemingly small oversights can have huge consequences. Without the careful review of an attorney, your estate plan might not have the airtight protection you intended, leaving your family to face the time-consuming and costly ordeal of probate.

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