Person in charge of caring for property left to a minor under the Uniform Transfers or Uniform Gifts to Minors Act.

Right of a surviving spouse to receive or enjoy a percentage of the deceased spouse’s property if the spouse dies without a will or estate plan, or if the will…

Person or legal entity to whom money or a debt is owed.

Many couples go to couples’ counseling before making a final decision to marry, making sure their values, goals and priorities are in line, and to learn how to communicate better.…

A modern term for child custody which implies a cooperative style of parenting for parents who are no longer married or living together but who wish to maintain a good…

Agreement, generally in writing, between two or more people or legal entities. Each entity promises to do something in exchange for the promises made in the contract.

Person appointed by a court to manage the finances and affairs of a mentally incompetent person.

Gift which is only to be made if certain conditions are met. Example Grandpa can specify that you will inherit grandpa’s estate only if you are married when he dies.

Parties who are living together as if they are married, but who have never had a legal marriage ceremony. California does not recognize common law marriages, but does, under certain…

California’s method of division of property in the event of a divorce or for valuing an estate. California’s community property law basically includes as “community property” all assets and debts…

a document which amends an existing will.

Rights that award visitation to the non custodial parent, caregiver, or guardian. Generally, biological parents have the right to see their children, whether it’s 50% of the time in their…

The amount of time, and the schedule, which a child spends with each parent. The more modern term is “parenting plan”, since a parent isn’t really a “visitor” with his…

The obligation for a periodic payment made by a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent, caregiver or guardian for the support and care of a child. Child support in California…

All property you leave to a child in a trust is established and managed under the terms of the trust. You are able to specify the trustee’s power and select…

For purposes of planning your estate, your children include your biological and adopted children. For children born out of wedlock, paternity must be proved or the children must be legally…

The legal designation of who is authorized to make decisions about a child’s health, education and welfare, as well as where he or she lives. Custody is broken down into…

Trust which leaves money or property to a charity. Often results in income tax or estate tax savings for the grantor (person giving the money or property).

All gifts left to a tax-exempt charitable organization are exempt from federal tax.

Share of Omitted Spouse Except as provided in Section 21611, if a decedent fails to provide in a testamentary instrument will for the decedent’s surviving spouse who married the decedent…