Estate Planning
Estate planning in California differs from that of many other states, so it is important to work with someone who understands the laws that will affect your California estate. The goal of an estate plan is to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled once you are gone and to help your family avoid many of the hassles that occur when a person fails to create an estate plan. An experienced California estate planning attorney will help ensure that your affairs are in order, your assets are properly titled, and that your loved ones are provided for after your death.
When possible you want to avoid the California probate process. A sound estate plan can help you achieve this goal, but the planning process and documentation will vary from person to person. In California, the probate process can last from seven to eighteen months or longer from the date the probate case is filed. That means your family will have to wait a long period of time following your death for your affairs to be settled. Estates that have a gross value of less than $184,500 are not required to pass through the probate process, but many people have accumulated more than amount when you factor in the gross value of real property, investment accounts and other assets.
In most cases, creating a Will or a Trust will alleviate some of those concerns. In addition, estate planning includes planning that will protect you in the event you become disabled or incapacitated.
If you have an existing estate plan, make sure you revisit it from time to time to insure that it addresses your current situation. It may need a tune-up!
Estate planning can also include the preparation of Powers of Attorney for Health Care and for Financial Management. These documents terminate at your death, but may be very important documents in the event you lose capacity due to a stroke or other traumatic injury or accident.
I have been assisting Californians with their estate planning for many years, and am prepared to help you protect yourself and your family. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with call 707.263.5759.
When possible you want to avoid the California probate process. A sound estate plan can help you achieve this goal, but the planning process and documentation will vary from person to person. In California, the probate process can last from seven to eighteen months or longer from the date the probate case is filed. That means your family will have to wait a long period of time following your death for your affairs to be settled. Estates that have a gross value of less than $184,500 are not required to pass through the probate process, but many people have accumulated more than amount when you factor in the gross value of real property, investment accounts and other assets.
In most cases, creating a Will or a Trust will alleviate some of those concerns. In addition, estate planning includes planning that will protect you in the event you become disabled or incapacitated.
If you have an existing estate plan, make sure you revisit it from time to time to insure that it addresses your current situation. It may need a tune-up!
Estate planning can also include the preparation of Powers of Attorney for Health Care and for Financial Management. These documents terminate at your death, but may be very important documents in the event you lose capacity due to a stroke or other traumatic injury or accident.
I have been assisting Californians with their estate planning for many years, and am prepared to help you protect yourself and your family. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with call 707.263.5759.
