As California residents work on estate plans, the decision about creating a trust may be a concern. A trust is perceived as protecting one's assets from the probate process, allowing for smoother and more private distribution after death. However, trusts may not always be protected fully from probate, and state laws should be considered. Many individuals believe that there are tax benefits available when a trust is established, but experts indicate that many of these benefits are primarily advantageous to those who are very well off.

The passing of television personality Casey Kasem was a somber one that had been coming for several months. Suffering from Lewy body disease, Kasem's condition had progressed to the point where he could no longer walk on his own and was unable to speak. But, as some of our readers already know, this wasn't the only tragic thing about Kasem's case.