Don't Let Them Steal Your Children's Inheritance!
Q: Their closest relative is a nephew of Bill's whom they haven't seen in a few years and never did like. They own a house (worth $90,000), a car ($5,000) and household furniture worth about $15,000. Bill also has taken out a $50,000 life insurance policy payable to his estate. He has no Will, and doesn't think he needs one. When Bill dies, Nancy will get the house, furniture, car and about $5,000. The nephew will get $55,000. This is how the state law would divide the property in the absence of a Will. Illustration II: John, too, never gave a thought to making out a Will partly because he knew that under the laws of his state, in the absence of a Will, his family would inherit everything he owned upon his death. So when he died, the court gave his wife, Helen, one-third of the estate and the children got the rest. But this created a problem for Helen. The children were minor, so their share of the property became the concern of the court. Every time Helen wanted to do something with it, she had to get court's approval, and then she had to make an accounting to the court. This definitely was not what John had in mind. How can you avoid this from happening to you? I know you agree that everybody should have a Will. If you've been putting it off, here's a SOLUTION...used by an ever-increasing number of people to reduce unnecessary costs and court battles...and you'll save big money! Dear Friend: Did you know that if you don't have a Will, your possessions could go to someone you don't even know? It's a fact. If you die without a Will, the State (in the form of lawyers, judges and an impersonal court system) steps in and decides who gets your assets. The division of your assets is done, not according to your wishes, but strictly according to a mathematical formula. The State also decides who'll administer your estate, how much he will be paid, and how he will be bonded. If you've any minor children, the court may be required to appoint a guardian. All these costs - including court costs and lawyers' fees - come out of your estate. You can save all this expense, make sure your possessions go to the persons of your choice, and have a Will that's 100% legal. How? By doing it yourself. Remember, every dollar it costs now to prepare a valid Will can save your family many times as much in attorney’s fees and court costs, not to mention the emotional and mental strain and uncertainty. Maybe you own only a few things. Or maybe you have an estate worth millions. The plain truth is you need a Will - regardless of age or wealth.
A: -I have just updated my "Statutory Estate Planning Forms" page with links to complete copies of the California Statutory Form Will, California Statutory Form Durable Power of Attorney, California Statutory Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and Natural