The San Diego sunshine streamed through the kitchen window as Maria nervously stirred her coffee, a knot tightening in her stomach. Her husband, David, had unexpectedly passed away six months ago, leaving her to navigate the complex world of estate planning alone. She and David had always talked about getting a trust, “someday,” but “someday” had arrived with an unwelcome and heartbreaking urgency. Now, she was facing probate court, a labyrinth of legal paperwork, and mounting legal fees, wishing they had taken preventative action sooner. The house felt empty, not just of David’s presence, but also of the financial security they had worked so hard to build.

What Steps Should I Take to Define My Estate Planning Goals? Defining your estate planning goals is the foundational step …

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