The midday sun beat down on La Jolla, but inside the cozy office of Ted Cook, the atmosphere was one of quiet concern. Sarah and Mark Peterson, a couple in their early forties, sat opposite him, their faces etched with worry. They had just received a devastating phone call—Mark’s mother, Helen, had suffered a stroke and was unable to communicate her wishes regarding her estate. Consequently, the family was facing a potentially lengthy and expensive probate process, a situation they were ill-prepared for.

What Steps Should I Take to Define My Estate Planning Goals? Defining your estate planning goals is paramount; it’s the …

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