Estate Planning
What Is Estate Planning?
People get concerned when they start looking into Estate Plans, because they seem so big and complicated with many moving parts. In this Estate Planning video, we’ve broken down what each part of an Estate Plan is and what it does for you. Just hit the play button.
(Press CC to enable captions, or the icon with the four small corners for a full screen video. Press “esc” key to return to this page from full screen).
Estate Planning in California
Nobody wants to think about setting their legal affairs in order, yet it is very important. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your financial situation is. We know that life can change in a flash. Are you ready for the change?
You’ve worked hard for what you have, but you can’t take it with you. You want to pass on your property to create a foundation for generational wealth.
Our job is to develop a plan that insures your wishes are followed and your property is distributed to your intended family members without Court supervision.
Have you protected what you’ve worked so hard for?
Does your family know what your wishes are?
Do you want to be in control of your own medical decisions?
We make it easy.
Maybe you’ve put off Estate Planning because it’s so complicated.
We understand that it can be overwhelming, so we make the process simple with less stress.
We make it yours.
Maybe you feel that planning for the future is only for the well-off or wealthy.
Estate Planning is for everyone, no matter your age or financial status. It’s customized to your needs.
We come to you.
Maybe you can’t leave your home, or you just can’t get to our office.
We make Estate Planning easy and almost effortless with our mobile services.
Plan for your future by having your needs analyzed in-depth. Get a custom, rock-solid estate plan that:
- Meets your goals
- Protects your family
- Avoids Probate or costly litigation.
- Has a plan for long-term care.
Estate plans consist of three parts: A Will, a Trust, and a Durable Powers of Attorney ("DPA").
California Estate Planning is what we do. We will ensure that your wishes are known and followed.
A Last Will and Testament becomes effective the testator dies.
Make your wishes known: Your Last Will and Testament is a legal document that states your last wishes. It covers things like whether you want to be buried or cremated, what type of funeral, where you want to be buried, where your ashes are to be scattered, the distribution of your personal estate, and the appointment of your executor.
A will does not prevent Probate.
Learn more about what a Last Will and Testament can do for you.
In the eyes of the law, a Trust is a separate legal entity. However, because a Trust is not a biological being, it does not die. Therefore, Probate is not required to transfer title of property. This keeps the process private, without court approval
Protect your Assets from Probate: Title to your assets are transferred to your Trust. The Trust provides instructions for the management, access, and distribution of your assets, now and in the future. You control the Trust while you’re living. After you pass away, the trustee you select acts as directed in the trust for the benefit of your heirs. (Carries out your wishes.)
Avoid Probate: Creating a trust can avoid Probate, saving your loved ones stress, time, and money.
General Durable Powers of Attorney - financial affairs (GDPA): Prior to your death, a power of attorney in California allows another person to act on your behalf regarding your financial affairs.
Durable Powers of Attorney for Healthcare (DPAHC): If you are unable to make decisions on your behalf, while you are still living, the DPAHC allows your representative to make health care decisions.
In addition, we attach and use an advanced healthcare directive to assist your attorney-in-fact (your representative) in following your wishes in regard to your health care.
Finally, we attach a HIPPA authorization which allows your attorney to receive medical information.
Following the death of a loved one, the family may need to file a Probate Petition to transfer title of property of the decedent. If Estate Planning has not been completed, a Probate Petition is needed to name a person to act on behalf of Estate including transferring title of assets. Completing and closing a Probate can be time-consuming and confusing. We have the extensive experience to ease you through the Probate process.
We are aware that sometimes Estate Planning was not completed. We are planners and problem solvers. Regardless of the situation you are facing, we can help you.
To learn more about going through Probate as quickly and painlessly as possible, give us a call.