Rearrange Pages In Legal California Estate Planning Forms For Free

This type of planning helps determine who can make decisions on your behalf, who takes care of your dependents, and how to avoid unnecessary taxes and waiting periods. Estate planning covers any decisions regarding money, property, medical care, dependent care, and other matters that can arise when a person dies.

5 Steps to Organize Estate Documents for Your Executor 5 Steps to Organize. ... Step 1: Create a checklist of important documents (and their locations) ... Step 2: List the names and contact information of key associates. ... Step 3: Catalog your digital asset inventory. ... Step 4: Ensure all documents are organized and accessible.

4 essential estate planning documents A will distributes assets upon death. A power of attorney manages finances. Advance care directives manage your health. A living trust is an alternative to a last will.

As a rule, gifts of a set amount of money in a will should be paid out within a year of death. If the executor isn't able to pay the legacy within that time, the beneficiaries will be entitled to claim interest.

In California, state law gives executors or administrators of estates a time limit to complete probate: one year from the date they are appointed to their position. However, extensions can be requested when delays in the process occur?which is why it generally takes 12 to 18 months.

If you feel that the executor is taking too long, you might look into any regulations that the state or probate court is placing on the process. State laws requiring a long window of time for creditors to make claims could prolong the process.