“Modern Family” actress Ariel Winter recently made headlines.  She went to court to emancipate herself from her parents. She will live elsewhere and be responsible for managing her own career and income.  Is there irony in the fact that an actress on a family comedy found it necessary to leave her own?  Perhaps, but all we really need to know is that the court did grant her petition.

There are many reasons that children may live with family members other than their parents, and on occasion, minor children may choose to become legally “emancipated” from their parents.  And, much as on her eponymous show there are all types of the new modern family.  Blended families, non-traditional families, extended families, and even traditional families are all likely to experience change in one form or another.  And these changes, including births, divorces, adoptions, and yes, emancipations, can all impact a person’s estate plan.

Whether or not you are a parent, or a spouse, or a partner, when relationships and living situations change, you may want – and need – to update elements of your estate plan.  Think about it!  Who is your executor?  Who has power of attorney?  Who have you designated to care for your children if you can’t? Who do you want to inherit that portrait of great-great-great-granny?  And her sapphire ring?  Are your selections and designations current?  You get the idea.  Change can be stressful in many ways, from emotional to financial, but it’s important to take care of these issues with help from an experienced estate planning attorney.

My legal practice focuses on just these matters, from simple wills to charitable trusts and more.  Please bring me all your questions and concerns, and we can work together to create a plan that meets your specifications.  When you are ready to move forward,  please contact us at 818.956.9200.

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Glendale, CA 91207

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Sherman Oaks, CA 91403