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Importance of Will and Trust

To avoid all the below expensive cost/process, write a simple WILL and assign a legal guardian. Have Peace of mind !! The cost of establishing legal guardianship in California depends on the type of guardianship and the county where the forms are filed: Filing fee The basic filing fee is $225 to appoint a guardian of the person, and $435 to appoint a guardian of the estate or of both the person and the estate. Some counties may charge $35–$50 more. Investigation fee Some counties may charge an investigation fee of around $700 to determine if the petitioner is an appropriate guardian. Not every county performs an investigation. Attorney fees Attorney fees are additional and can vary depending on the case's complexity and whether it's contested or uncontested. Lawyers typically charge by the hour, at around $225–$300 per hour.
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Estate Planning is the process of organizing and managing your assets to ensure they are distributed according to your wishes after your death. It also includes planning for your care if you become incapacitated. In the USA, estate planning is crucial for protecting your wealth, minimizing taxes, and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Key Components of Estate Planning Will A legal document specifying how your assets will be distributed after death. Allows you to name a guardian for minor children. Trusts Living Trust: Manages your assets during your lifetime and distributes them after your death without probate. Revocable Trust: Can be altered or revoked during your lifetime. Irrevocable Trust: Cannot be changed once established, often used for tax planning. Power of Attorney (POA) Grants someone authority to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Healthcare Proxy and Advance Directives Healthcare...

Life Insurance

Life insurance is an essential component of financial planning in the USA. It provides financial protection and peace of mind for individuals and their families. Here’s why life insurance is important: 1. Financial Security for Loved Ones Life insurance ensures that your family has a financial safety net in the event of your death. This is particularly important for those who have dependents relying on their income. Covers Daily Expenses: Helps families maintain their standard of living by covering mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and other essentials. Educational Costs: Provides funds for children’s education. Debt Repayment: Prevents loved ones from inheriting unpaid debts such as credit card balances or loans. 2. Tax-Free Death Benefit The death benefit paid to beneficiaries is generally tax-free under U.S. federal tax laws, ensuring they receive the full amount. 3. Estate Planning Life insurance can be an effective tool for estate planning: Helps pay esta...
Apostille Processing: Apostille is the process of legalization of documents when sending to abroad For India, Power of Attorney documents steps are, 1. Notarization 2. Apostilled by Secretary of State 3. Indian Embassy seal Per Consulate General of India (CGI San Francisco), Step-3 is optional. Gale Ranch Notary is taking care of Step-1 and Step-2 services for their clients in Tri-Valley San Ramon. An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or power of attorney, for use in another country. The United States, being a member of the Hague Apostille Convention , uses this process for documents intended for use in other member countries. Steps for Obtaining an Apostille in the USA: Determine the Document Type Public documents include: Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates). Notarized documents (e.g., affidavits, power of attorney). Educational documents (diplomas, transcripts). Power ...

Aadhar Card - Apply while you are in India

Here is another timely message share reg. Aaadhar card from Gale Ranch Notary: Those who are traveling to India this summer or if you already there, try to get Aadhaar card.    Now that banks will be mandating after Dec-2017 for Aadhar card, this trip may be useful :) http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/aadhaar-made-mandatory-for-bank-accounts-existing-accounts-will-be-invalid-without-aadhar-linking/1/980312.html The process is simple, we need 2 Identification. 1 for India address proof and 1 for photo.  https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf For Futher details: https://uidai.gov.in/ Since they take biometric identification - Fingerprint and eyes, physical presence is must. Once it is approved, it can be managed via online - even for downloading the card after few weeks when ready.  Not sure how it will be for handled for NRIs and NRI bank accounts. How to apply? For example if you are in Chennai, Goo...

Loan Signing - San Ramon

Loan signing today - Buyer/Borrower signing. Thanks to Notary2Pro founder Carol's mentoring. She is really good in explaining and giving tips/advise for beginner like me. I took NNA as well to supplement NSA certification. Was little nervous before talking to Carol this morning. She is awesome. Update/Observation after the signing today: Overall went good. 1) Looks like title company/Loan agency did not mail them the document ahead. It was panic mode when it started- the signer had to call the loan office for insurance and closing cost clarification. The signer got surprised while explaining the closing disclosure. Starting was not a good one. This is lessons learned- I should check with signing services to email ahead so it saves notary time. 2) Both signers not happy to sign about 30 documents/30 notary log and thumb impression. 3) For 2 witness, they assumed Notary brings someone. 4) Signers assume notary knows everything in the docum...