The Law Office of Erika A. Williams, a Professional Corporation regularly provides legal updates, thought pieces, and tips in the practice areas of family law, education law, and estate planning.


17th December 2021

Planning Considerations for Unmarried Partners

When it comes to protecting your unmarried partner, there are several options to consider. Depending on the value of your money and property, your desired level of protection from your partner’s creditors, and other factors unique to your situation, one or more of these strategies may be beneficial. A word of caution: regardless of what methods you use, you must work with an experienced estate planning attorney. While do-it-yourself options may be cheaper, they can sometimes create more problems than they solve, and the problems can be expensive to remedy.
9th December 2021

Why Unmarried Partners Should Care about Estate Planning

More people such as yourself are entering long-term committed relationships without getting married. Unfortunately, many state and federal laws do not protect unmarried couples as they do married couples when it comes to inheritance, taxes, and decision-making powers. Therefore, it is important that you engage in comprehensive financial and estate planning, because without proper planning, your beloved partner could end up with nothing should you pass away.
18th November 2021
Questions for Every Fiduciary

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Fiduciary

For some people, choosing trusted decision makers is easy; for others, it may be more difficult due to tense family circumstances, geography, or the lack of living family members. While most advisors and attorneys counsel clients to choose family members or close friends, this may not always be an option. But have no fear. You can consider hiring someone if you do not have a family member or close friend to appoint to one of these important positions.
11th November 2021
EP for Singles

Estate Planning for Singles

For singles, having an estate plan is important to ensure that your wishes are carried out during your life and after your death. If such worries are preventing you from completing your estate plan, we are here to help you.
4th November 2021
HIPAA: Protecting Your Health Info

HIPAA: An Overview for Young Adults

Once an individual turns 18 years old, he or she is no longer a minor. This means that the hospitals and doctor’s offices must safeguard the patient’s information from everyone, including the parents. While it makes sense that a legal adult would be the one in charge of his or her own medical information, this can pose some problems for young adults.
28th October 2021
Happy 18th Birthday! Now What?

Happy 18th Birthday! Now What?

When you were a minor (under the age of 18), your parents were considered your legal guardians and were responsible for making all of your decisions for you. Now that you are an adult, their legal authority is very limited if not completely gone. Although this new found freedom may sound exciting, there are a few things you need to consider.
21st October 2021
Life Events Requiring EP Updates

Which life events require an immediate estate plan update?

Since your family’s needs and circumstances are constantly changing, so too must your estate plan. Your plan must be updated when certain life changes occur. These include, but are not limited to: marriage, the birth or adoption of a new family member, divorce, the death of a loved one, a significant change in assets, and a move to a new state or country.
14th October 2021
Tips for Divvying Up Personal Property

Tips for Divvying Up Personal Property

We collect stuff throughout our lives. This “stuff” is known as our personal property. Some items are valuable, like jewelry, baseball cards, and works of art. Other items are sentimental, like grandma’s tea set, old Christmas ornaments, and photographs. Regardless of the value, it is important that these items be distributed the way you want when you die. Consider the following to ensure that your wishes for your personal property are honored.
26th August 2021
What Happens to My Kids If I Die

Do It Now: Name a Guardian for Your Minor Child(ren)

No one will ever be you or parent exactly like you, but more than likely, there is someone you know that could do a decent job providing for your children’s general welfare, education, and medical needs if you are no longer available to do so. Parents with minor children need to name someone to raise them (a guardian) in the event both parents should die before the child becomes an adult. While the likelihood of that actually happening is slim, the consequences of not naming a guardian are more than intense.
19th August 2021
43,000 Children Orphaned

COVID-19 and Minor Children: Things to Consider Now

Protecting your family is important, especially when you have minor children, and even more so now that we are living through a pandemic. With all of the unknowns of our current situation, you need some certainty. Having an up-to-date estate plan can be the first step toward providing that certainty in an uncertain world.
Disclaimer:

The Law Office of Erika A. Williams, a Professional Corporation is a law firm that represents clients throughout California. The information on this website is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Legal websites like this one are a form of attorney advertising. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Erika Williams is licensed to practice law in California, maintains an office in Los Angeles, and practices law only in California courts, and does not seek to represent anyone based solely on a visit to this website.

Reviews, including testimonials or endorsements listed on this website, do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your particular legal matter.