Do I Really Need a Will or a Trust?
Wills vs. Trusts Often we will put off what we don’t understand and that includes our legal affairs. Most people are often overwhelmed when it comes...
29 May, 2013
Blog
Talking with your Aging Parents Before They Are in Crisis
Discussing end-of-life issues can be one of the hardest conversations a family has, but also one of the most important. As people age, they and...
04 February, 2013
Understanding California Adoption Laws
Adoption proceedings can be lengthy and quite often emotional. Understanding California adoption laws before beginning the process will make the experience less difficult. Knowing the...
04 September, 2012
Don’t fall for the “DEED COPY” scam!!
NEVER PAY ANYONE FOR A COPY OF THE RECORDED GRANT DEED THAT SHOWS YOU ARE THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF YOUR HOME! Just today, a CALIFORNIA DOCUMENT PREPARERES-Oakland...
01 August, 2012
It’s Not Enough to Create a Living Trust: It Has to Be Funded
One of our clients had a recent situation with her aging parents which, unfortunately, is not uncommon. They had been proactive and had created a...
25 July, 2012
Protect Your Heirs and Your Estate: Create a Living Trust
Heed the lessons that others have learned the hard way. The bumps and bruises you will experience by not protecting your assets can be avoided by establishing a...
10 July, 2012
About Conservatorships For Parents with Children with Disabilities
In April of this year, Bill Schaaf, owner of our Walnut Creek store, met with the social workers from Kaiser hospital in Richmond. hey...
27 June, 2012
Welcoming Val to Our Oakland Store
Valerie Jackson, a NOTARY PUBLIC since 1997, started working in our Oakland store in March 2012. Valerie brings strong enthusiasm for helping others plus...
22 June, 2012
If You Have Children, You Need a Will
You're a young, married couple and just starting out in the world. You probably have small children and a large mortgage. Or, perhaps, you're a single parent, trying to make a life for yourself and your kids. Words like "assets," "estate planning" and "net worth" simply don't apply to you -- at least not yet. You don't have vast amounts of money in investments; you don't own lots of valuable property. If you died, there wouldn't be much to sort out financially, so, you certainly don't need a will. Or do you? The answer to that question is, yes, you do. A will, or even a living trust, encompasses many more factors than simply who inherits your money. There are several valid reasons why everyone, especially parents of young children, should have a legal will.
08 June, 2012
David Sayen: Medicare Covers Hospice Care
David Sayen, Your Turn: Contra Costa Times Coping with terminal illness can be difficult, both for patients and their loved ones. Medicare and hospice Hospice is a...
22 April, 2012
Preparing for Your Family Law Matter
INITIAL PRE-FILING CONSIDERATIONS
Family law covers a broad range of issues, from separation and divorce to custody and adoption. Whether you’re a spouse, a parent, a child or part of a same-sex or unmarried couple, it’s important to consider a few financial and emotional factors before you embark upon a family law matter.
Taking a few simple steps before you file a petition can make a big difference later. In fact, certain actions are prohibited after filling, so you’ll want to be sure and take care of these ahead of time.
15 March, 2012
Eldercare And Estate Disputes – Don’t Let Them Ruin Your Family
By Keith Maderer
While every parent wishes their family would remain civil and friendly after they pass, it is one of the most common problems after a death. Here are some ways to avoid the problems or settle them if they should arise. Use these four methods to help keep your loved ones working together, especially during the emotional and traumatic times that usually surround the death of a loved one.
07 February, 2012