Author: Tara Frame

According to a New York Times article, in the United States, the average lifespan is 81.2 years for women, while for men it is only 76.5 years. This means that even if the husband handles financial decisions in a marriage, that responsibility is likely going to be passed off to the widowed wife later in… Continued

The majority of Americans do not have a will or a trust. According to USA Today, 64 percent of Americans do not have a will. But do you really need one? The answer to that is most likely yes. However, do you need a simple will or will your loved ones be better off after… Continued

According to the American Bar Association, medical advancements have and will continue to allow more and more developmentally challenged children to reach adulthood, which brings the question: are parents planning for how their end of life will impact their adult disabled child? Creating a special needs trust is important for parents with both disabled minor… Continued

Unfortunately, probate is not always a smooth or straightforward process. Probate, which is the official proving of a will, is a necessary step to take after a loved one passes away before the assets in the will can be divided and the decedent’s last wishes can be carried out. We understand just how frustrating and… Continued

Our families change over time. Children and grandchildren are born. Some people get a divorce and remarry. Bank accounts are opened and closed. Real estate is bought and sold. People change jobs and roll over their retirement accounts. For all of these reasons, it is important to establish an estate plan so the family’s assets… Continued

A Comprehensive Durable Power of Attorney is imperative for all adults who wish to take care of their finances should they become incapacitated. A comprehensive durable power of attorney allows you to select who you want take care of your assets while you are alive but unable to act on your own. It also protects… Continued

And The Winners For The 2017 Best Of Pasadena Are…

Wills Spell Out How Assets Are Distributed You may leave your assets and property to anyone you choose. But, without a will, the law determines how your assets are distributed. This may not be how you want it. For example, when a person dies without a will and has no spouse or any minor children,… Continued

by Tara Frame Shortly after you were married, you had your estate plan prepared, including your last will and testament, your power of attorney and your health care directive, which left your entire estate to your spouse and named your spouse as your power of attorney and health care agent. Since then, you have been… Continued

I’m the personal representative in a will contest. How much is this going to cost the defense and also the plaintiff? The answer to your question depends on many factors, especially the complexity of the issues involved. Estate litigation can be very expensive to both parties. Generally, though, the contesting party pays for their attorney’s… Continued