• Can You Contest a Will?

    Under certain circumstances, it’s possible to challenge the validity of a will . If you’re thinking about drafting a new will, talk to a lawyer in Tracy or Manteca about reducing the risk that your will is going to be contested. An estate planning attorney can also assist beneficiaries who believe that a deceased person’s will is invalid.

    For more information about contesting these documents, watch this quick video. It explains the four primary grounds for contesting a will. They include the assertion that the deceased was legally incompetent or was acting under duress. A will may also be declared invalid if there is a valid will drafted on a later date, or if the will was not executed properly.

    Do not risk making a mistake and being held liable during the will process. Contact our firm today if you would like to schedule a free consultation for Trust and Will attorney.

  • Quick Look at Compensatory Damages | Bakerink, McCusker & Belden

    One of the most common questions asked of personal injury lawyers serving Tracy and Livermore is, “How much is my claim worth?” No attorney can precisely predict how much money you could receive in a jury award or settlement, but you can get an estimate of your compensatory damages. Compensatory damages refer to the money intended to compensate you for the actual amount you lost because of the other person’s negligence.

    Compensatory Damages

    In other words, compensatory damages include your related medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If your neighbor’s dog attacks you and destroys your designer handbag, your compensatory damages would include the value of that handbag. You can help your attorney develop an accurate estimate of your damages by keeping track of all of your expenses in the wake of the incident. Save receipts for all of your pharmacy co-pays, and save any other documentation, such a estimates for your car repairs if the incident was an auto accident or personal injury.

    Bakerink, McCusker & Belden provide numerous legal services for clients in Tracy, CA. Whether you were injured in an accident or want to plan your will, our team is here to provide the guidance and representation you need. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

  • The Responsibilities of Trustees

     

    Trust administration is complex, and it benefits from the attention of a skilled lawyer. Trustees living near Tracy or Manteca must ensure that they follow applicable California laws, as well as the terms specified in the trust document. You can hear more about these responsibilities by watching this featured video and consulting your lawyer.

    Trustees have an obligation to act in a way that serves the best interests of the beneficiaries. They owe a duty of impartiality to avoid favoritism among the beneficiaries, and they cannot have personal or financial conflicts of interest. Trustees also have a responsibility to manage the trust property in a fiscally prudent way.