Hugh O’Brian, the actor and humanitarian best known for his starring role in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, died in September 2016. In his estate plan, O’Brian named his wife Virginia as trustee of the estate, and beneficiaries included other family members and friends, and a charitable foundation. O’Brian died childless—however, after his death, at least two individuals brought a lawsuit claiming to be O’Brian’s children and seeking a share of his estate. Each alleged child was born from … [Read more...] about “Omitted Children” Fall Flat in Challenge to the Hugh O’Brian Estate
Telehealth is problematic for many older adults
We’ve seen how the COVID-19 response has created problems with social isolation among the elderly. The pandemic is posing serious problems for geriatric care as well. Interruption of health care is especially problematic for older adults over age 65, who are likely to live with at least one chronic condition and who account for the vast majority of hospitalizations. Healthcare providers looking to decrease physical traffic at care facilities have turned to telehealth services to connect … [Read more...] about Telehealth is problematic for many older adults
How Might Estate Plans Be Challenged? A Complete Guide
An estate plan is designed to give clear instructions about how someone’s assets shall be distributed to his or her beneficiaries upon death. Not every estate plan is created equitably or in good faith, and the law provides recourse for individuals to challenge the legality of the document and its provisions. In this guide we'll discuss in detail four broad reasons an estate plan might be challenged in probate litigation. Part One: Formal requirements of an estate plan Part Two: Undue … [Read more...] about How Might Estate Plans Be Challenged? A Complete Guide
Getting a Divorce? Time to Update Your Estate Plan
Going through a divorce can be a very rough time in life. Battling over income, assets and child custody can be quite exhausting. All of these distractions may cause you to miss many important tasks you must undertake. And very often the family law attorney who handles your divorce may not follow through to give you the vital information we discuss here. Your Will California law provides that any bequests to a former spouse under a Will is automatically revoked. While this is … [Read more...] about Getting a Divorce? Time to Update Your Estate Plan
Joint Tenancy: Good Idea or Bad Idea?
A joint tenancy is a legal term that applies to one of many forms of co-ownership of an asset that is held by two or more people. Parties named in a joint tenancy own the property equally. If one joint tenant passes away, the property is immediately passed on to the other living joint tenants without going through probate. Many types of assets may be held in joint tenancy, including real estate, vehicles, personal bank accounts, savings accounts, and brokerage and investment … [Read more...] about Joint Tenancy: Good Idea or Bad Idea?
The Importance of Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
If you are among the millions of Americans in a committed long-term relationship who have decided to put off—or forego altogether—marriage, estate planning takes on a heightened importance for you. The law continues to confer certain benefits and rights on the legally married that simply don’t exist outside the bounds of marriage. Fortunately, careful estate planning can accomplish what the law does not. A Riverside estate planning attorney at Sandoval Legacy Group explains why estate … [Read more...] about The Importance of Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
What Will Happen to Naya Rivera’s Estate?
Actress Naya Rivera, best known for her work on the TV series Glee, has been presumed dead by local authorities after an apparent boating accident at Lake Piru in Ventura County. Like many celebrity deaths, this tragedy is a good reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Rivera, 33, and her ex-husband, actor Ryan Dorsey, share custody of their 4-year-old boy, who was found alone on a pontoon boat following his mother’s disappearance. Because of the joint custody situation, there is … [Read more...] about What Will Happen to Naya Rivera’s Estate?
When Can I Visit My Loved One in a Nursing Home?
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put nursing homes and their residents in a difficult situation. In California and across the U.S., a high percentage of coronavirus deaths—close to 40 percent by some counts—have resulted from outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities. Unfortunately, nursing homes will be among the last to reopen after the pandemic subsides, and nobody knows when that might be. The CDC and local public health agencies have issued safety guidelines, and facilities are … [Read more...] about When Can I Visit My Loved One in a Nursing Home?
Enjoy Your Dad This Father’s Day and Rest Assured
When you get together this weekend with your dad—either in person or virtually—enjoy reminiscing about the good times and adventures you had together. Also remember to take a moment to think about your dad’s future. Now is a great time to check that his estate planning documents are in order and up to date. Sure, it's not the most sentimental gesture. But taking a moment to check the basics can be of great benefit down the road. It’s the least you can do for someone who has given so much for … [Read more...] about Enjoy Your Dad This Father’s Day and Rest Assured
Planning for the Unexpected in Chaotic Times
The planet that we inhabit seems to grow more chaotic with the passing of time. Our reality is a dangerous one, with global pandemics like the coronavirus outbreak recording exponential death rates, and tragic domestic and international terrorist attacks happening on an all to frequent basis. The only certainty in life is that some day our lives will end. We like to avoid dwelling on such unpleasant thoughts, but that does not make it any less true. Another uncomfortable truth is that we … [Read more...] about Planning for the Unexpected in Chaotic Times
