The San Diego sun beat down on the patio as Maria nervously stirred her iced tea, her gaze fixed on the bougainvillea. Her brother, David, had passed away unexpectedly last month, leaving behind a complicated mess. He’d been a successful software engineer, accumulated considerable assets, but died without a will or any clear estate plan. Now, Maria, as the closest relative, was tasked with navigating probate court, a daunting process she hadn’t anticipated. The legal fees were mounting, and the emotional toll was even heavier. “It feels like we’re losing even more because of this,” she confessed, a tremor in her voice.

What Are My Estate Planning Goals, and Why Do They Matter? Defining your estate planning goals is the foundational step, …

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