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Who Needs a Pour Over Will and What Does it Do

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Aug 24, 2023 | 0 Comments

A pour-over will is a type of will which provides that any assets or property owned by the testator at their death that was not titled in the testator's living Trust, will transfer (or pour over) into the trust, and will pass as per the terms of the trust. A pour-over will works in conjunction with a living trust and names the trust as the sole beneficiary of the will.

Understanding Beneficiary Designations for Your California Estate Plan

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Aug 23, 2023 | 0 Comments

Your estate plan in California can include several documents, many of which may require beneficiaries, like any trusts you may have set up and non-probate assets like 401(k), IRA accounts, life insurance policies, and pensions. Assets from these accounts will go to the beneficiaries upon your death. It is important, therefore, to make sure you choose your beneficiaries carefully. 

Hiring a Probate Attorney - what to look for

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Jun 19, 2023 | 0 Comments

Even in the most “simple” circumstances, a California Probate takes a bit over a year from start to finish. For that reason, finding the right probate attorney can make a world of difference with how efficiently the case can be handled. Here are some things to look for when hiring a Probate attorney.

Difference Between a Will and a Pour-Over Will

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Jun 13, 2023 | 0 Comments

A pour-over will is a type of will stating that any assets or property owned by the Settlor of a living trust that were omitted from the Trust at their death will transfer (or, pour over) into the trust after death. In this way, the pour-over will serves as a safety net for any assets not formally transferred into a living trust during the Trust Settlor's life.

Trust Administration - the Basics

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | May 22, 2023 | 0 Comments

Knowing the basics of trust administration is important when you are named as a Trustee or a beneficiary of a Trust, and the trust creator's assets are titled in their trust, or if there are assets left outside of the trust. Not knowing or understanding your Trustee duties, or Beneficiary entitlements can lead to many challenges and liabilities, and can lead to the intended beneficiaries not getting their share in the trust for months, or, sometimes, years, after the death of the trust creator.

New Way to Protect Your Home from Title Fraud

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Feb 09, 2023 | 0 Comments

Prevent Title Fraud - The Los Angeles County Assessor, in partnership with the County Recorder, just announced the ability for homeowners to REGISTER their property, and get a Fraud Notification Email within 48 hours of a document being recorded against title to their property! This is a hugely beneficial tool in the hands of homeowners to be on the lookout for Title Fraud. 

Cryptocurrency is not Currency – How do we Estate-Plan for it and avoid “Finders-Keepers”?

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Dec 07, 2022 | 0 Comments

Cryptocurrency, unlike its name suggests, is a Digital Asset – as such, the law treats it as Property, and not Currency. Crypto and NFTs are known as “bearer assets” – just like with “bearer bonds” – whoever has possession of the “asset” is the beneficial owner of it, which makes it challenging to be sure that an intended beneficiary will actually get the asset. How to avoid "Finders Keepers" when we estate-plan for Crypto and NFTs?

Young Adult Children & Estate Planning

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Sep 15, 2022 | 0 Comments

Young adults have their whole lives ahead of them, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't begin estate planning as soon as possible. When someone turns 18, they legally become an adult. Overnight, parents lose the legal authority they previously had over their children's lives. As much as this is ...

What Does Probate Cost in California?

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Aug 16, 2022 | 0 Comments

When estimating the possible cost of probate, it's important to consider court fees, attorney and executor fees, costs for required services by additional professionals (fees to publish notice, fees for accountants, appraisers, etc.), as well as the cost of bond which is generally required of the...

Do All Trusts Protect Property from Creditors?

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Jul 25, 2022 | 0 Comments

While certain types of trusts can protect assets from creditors, they don't all have this feature. This is why it's important to consider your estate planning options beyond a revocable living trust if you wish to safeguard assets for your loved ones. Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts There are ma...

7 Important Duties of a Trustee in California

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Jun 21, 2022 | 0 Comments

If you are creating a living trust, the person you select as your trustee matters a great deal. Trustees in California are tasked with many responsibilities and legal duties pertaining to the management and distribution of trust property. The decisions made by your trustee can affect you during y...

What Trustees Need to Know About the County Assessor

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Jun 20, 2022 | 1 Comment

When working with Trustees who sell trust real property, we often witness pressure by the trust beneficiaries on the Trustees to distribute all of the net sales proceeds as soon as escrow closes. It is often forgotten that, about six months after the sale, the Trustees will receive a bill from th...

FAQ: Advance Health Care Directives in California

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Apr 11, 2022 | 0 Comments

An Advance Health Care Directive, also called an Advance Directive, is an estate planning document that allows you to name another individual – your Health Care Agent – to make medical decisions for you, and allows you to document your medical care preferences in the event you are incapacitated, ...

Do I Need a Will If I Have a Trust?

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Mar 09, 2022 | 0 Comments

Even if you have a trust, it's a good idea to have a will to back it up. Estate planning is all about having a plan not just to direct what happens to you and your estate, but to account for what happens if things don't go as expected or were left unaddressed. One such critical step is funding th...

How to Find the Right Estate Planning Lawyer for You

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Feb 04, 2022 | 0 Comments

If you need an estate planning lawyer, you must find the right one for you. If you're wondering what that means, think about how personal your estate plan is to you. It protects you just as much as your loved ones, so finding the right estate planning attorney that can address your specific needs...

When Should I Start Estate Planning?

Posted by Maria N. Jonsson | Jan 14, 2022 | 0 Comments

Estate planning is one of the most important things that not enough people do. A survey conducted by Caring.com in 2017 found that nearly 60% of American adults said that they don't have a will or a trust. While these numbers may have elevated slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic – which exposed...

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At the Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, PC, we focus on Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration and we are here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.

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The Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, PC is committed to answering your questions about Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration issues in Marina Del Rey & Venice, CA. We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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