Hess-Verdon Blogs
What Does A Trustee Do. What You Should Know
What Does a Trustee Do? Planning an estate should be a consideration for everyone, not just the wealthy. Without a...
What Constitutes A Breach of Fiduciary Duty?
What Constitutes A Breach of Fiduciary Duty? In the intricate area of trust and estate planning, fiduciary duty is a...
Trust Validity Defense Attorney – California
Trust Validity Defense Attorney Perhaps a grantor executed a trust that handed over all their assets and property to...
Can a Trustee Revoke a Trust?
Can a Trustee Revoke a Trust? Trusts and their complexities can be a daunting field to navigate. And the question, can a trustee revoke a trust?, can stir up a whirlwind of uncertainties. That's where we come in. With our over three decades of experience, Hess-Verdon...
How to Petition to Invalidate a Trust in California
Petition To Invalidate Trust California Invalidating a Trust is not a simple process. Reasonable steps should be completed within the statute of limitations. A beneficiary will usually find counsel due to the complexity of the nature of contesting a trust. You will...
Are Trust Distributions Taxable? Explaining Trust Taxes
Are Trust Distributions Taxable? Trust Tax Rates 2024 Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Income taxation on trust tax rates is essential for financial planning, especially for individual taxpayers. Both income taxes and fiduciary income considerations come into...
Shifting Trust Dynamics: Can Trustees Be Removed?
Can Trustees Be Removed? A question that often arises in the world of trust management is: Can trustees be removed? As seasoned professionals in estate planning, we at Hess-Verdon & Associates believe it's crucial to have a thorough understanding of trust-related...
How to Get Power of Attorney When Someone is Incapacitated
How to Get Power of Attorney and Guardianship for Incapacitated Individuals When a loved one becomes incapacitated, ensuring their well-being becomes a top priority. One of the ways to do this is by obtaining the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf. This...
Challenging Trusts: Can Trusts Be Contested?
Can Trusts Be Contested? Often we are asked, Can trusts be contested? Here at Hess-Verdon & Associates, we understand that understanding trust and estate planning laws can be overwhelming, especially during trying times. Let's delve into this matter together.What...
Does a Beneficiary Have a Right to See the Trust
DOES A BENEFICIARY HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEE THE TRUST? The California Probate Law section 16061.7 provides for the beneficiaries right to see the trust. Trustees should furnish beneficiaries and heirs with copies of the trust document. Even in states where the...
Trustee Serving as Beneficiary: Legal Considerations and Limitations
Can a Trustee Also Be a Beneficiary? Understanding this question isn't as simple as it seems, and we are here to help you navigate these complex legal waters.The Intersection of Trustees and Beneficiaries Understanding Trusts Firstly, we need to understand the roles...
Decoding Trusts vs. Beneficiaries: Which Matters More?
Difference Between Trust and Beneficiary Have you ever wondered about the difference between a trust and a beneficiary? We've all been there, it can be a confusing subject. But not to worry. In this article, we’ll provide clarity, shedding light on this complex area...
Trustee Misconduct: Understanding Criminal Charges Against a Trustee
Criminal Charges Against Trustee Navigating the complex waters of estate planning and trust administration? Sometimes, waves can turn into storms, particularly when you're dealing with potential criminal charges against a trustee. How do you weather this storm? Let's...
Shielding Your Estate: Defending Against Undue Influence Claims
Defending Against Claims of Undue Influence When a loved one passes away, the last thing you want to face is legal complications. However, claims of undue influence can quickly add a layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. So, how do you go about...
Trust Disputes in Orange County, CA: Contesting a Trust
Contesting a Trust in Orange County, California When dealing with a loved one's estate, trust contests can feel like a daunting endeavor. We understand the confusion and emotion involved, but rest assured, we are here to guide you.Understanding the Process of Trust...
Sibling Inheritance Rights: Understanding Legalities Post Bereavement
Deceased Sibling Inheritance Understanding Inheritance Laws Inheritance laws can be intricate, and their application becomes even more complex when dealing with a deceased sibling's inheritance. Understanding the basics is crucial for ensuring the fair distribution of...
Inheritance Laws: Does a Stepmom Inherit Everything?
Does My Stepmom Inherit Everything? Death, inheritance, and the distribution of assets often bring about complex questions. One common concern is, "does my stepmom inherit everything?" This query is addressed comprehensively here.The Legal Nuances of Inheritance What...
Executor Not Communicating with Beneficiaries | What to Do!
Executor Not Communicating with Beneficiaries Executors have a fiduciary duty to keep beneficiaries informed about estate proceedings and decisions. If communication is lacking, beneficiaries are entitled to seek court intervention to mandate transparency and regular...
Theft of Trust Funds: Legal Considerations and Consequences
Can Someone Steal Your Trust Fund? Can someone steal your trust fund?" You may find yourself asking this question in the middle of the night, fretting over the safety of your assets. Let's delve into this matter in a way that's easy to understand.Understanding Trust...
The Legalities Explained: Can a Trustee Sue a Beneficiary?
Can a Trustee Sue a Beneficiary? When we consider the complexity of trust administration, a question often arises: Can a trustee sue a beneficiary? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is yes. Let's explore the nature of the trustee-beneficiary relationship and...
Trustee Accounting – Basics, Duties, Beneficiary Updates!
Trustee Refuses to Give Accounting Beneficiaries can petition the probate court for a court order compelling a trustee to provide proper accounting if it's not delivered within 60 days as mandated by law. They may also seek reimbursement for the expenses incurred in...
Trusted Estate Attorneys Near You: Expert Guidance for Your Estate Matters
Can an Executor Override a Beneficiary? One question often asked in estate planning and administration is: "Can an executor override a beneficiary?"Understanding the Role and Boundaries of an Executor An executor's job is critical in the execution of a will, and...
The Basics of Will Disputes: Contesting a Will’s Validity
Contesting the Will When a loved one passes away, their will is their final word, a roadmap that dictates the division of their assets. But what happens if you believe the will does not accurately reflect the deceased's true intentions? This is where contesting the...
Trustee Misconduct: Can a Trustee Steal From a Beneficiary?
Can a Trustee Steal From a Beneficiary? In the world of trusts and estates, you're bound to face some complicated situations. In this guide, we tackle one sensitive question: Can a trustee steal from a beneficiary?Understanding the Roles in a Trust Before we dissect...
What Does the Executor of a Will Do. What to Know!
What does the executor of a will do? Imagine a scenario where a loved one has passed away, and you've been named the executor of their will. Such a responsibility might leave you pondering about the exact nature of your duties. Dive in with us as we explore the...
Do Trustees Get Paid: What To Look Out For
Request a Case Review Today Call us at 888-318-4430Do Trustees Get Paid Trustees usually get paid either an hourly rate or sometimes a percentage of the trust assets. As a trustee, it's crucial to keep a detailed log of all your activities, including timeframes...
Resolving Trustee-Beneficiary Disputes: Expert Guidance
Dispute Between Trustee and Beneficiary It's never easy dealing with family loss, and when that loss is coupled with a dispute between a trustee and beneficiary, it becomes a truly challenging time. So, let's dive into these complexities and see how we can navigate...
Can a Trustee be a Beneficiary for Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts
Can a Trustee also be a Beneficiary? Yes, many trustees are also beneficiaries of their trust. For instance, in family trusts, the surviving spouse will often be both the Trustee and the Trustee's beneficiary. However, if the sole Trustee is also the Trustee's sole...