Archive for September 29, 2014

Over the summer a family friend’s sister passed away. Her death was sudden and a surprise to her loved ones. She left behind two sons who have been searching for information about their mom’s bank and retirement accounts. They don’t know the passwords to her computer or iPad, let alone to her online investment accounts. Inventorying her personal assets has been such a struggle, and something no one should have to deal with while mourning the loss of a loved one.

So many of us use computers, smartphones or other electronic

The Sacramento Bee’s recent article “Family Argues Change of Will is a Fake” (July 12, 2014) about the death of local Greenhaven resident Joseph Herb O’Brien, and the probate fight in Sacramento Superior Court that ensued over whether Mr. O’Brien’s last will was a fake, highlights the need to add protective measures to your estate plan in order to avoid will contests and estate disputes between your family and loved ones after your death. Although Mr. O’Brien had previously drafted a personal trust, in the last hour before his death,