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Ways an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help

On Behalf of | Jun 22, 2022 | ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is a more complicated process than most people might imagine, and many mistakes or omissions can impact the effect of your estate plan. It is worth it to learn how an estate planning attorney in Roseville, CA can help you.

Many people wonder how exactly estate planning can assist them in preparing for the future. The reality is that the right attorney can act as a guide to ensure that you take the right steps to protect your assets, family, and own well-being. The following are some of the many ways our estate attorneys in Roseville, CA can help.

Determining the Components of Your Estate Plan

Estate planning is often associated with a last will and testament, though the process can involve so much more. Depending on your circumstances, your attorney might recommend a wide range of estate planning documents, which might include:

  • Will – The will is the foundation of an estate plan, and it is important to make the probate process simpler for your family. A will allows you to designate beneficiaries for your property, someone to be the executor of your estate, and someone to become the guardian of your children. An attorney can ensure that your will is validly executed under California law and updated as needed.
  • Trust – Many people use trusts for a variety of reasons, including keeping property out of probate, having more control over how property is distributed, asset protections, caring for adult children with special needs, or charitable contributions, for example. A lawyer can assist you with the creation of your trust, property transfers, choosing a successor trustee, and more.
  • Beneficiary or joint accounts – Another way to avoid probate for assets or property is to have accounts or deeds with beneficiaries designated or that have joint ownership. With joint ownership, the other owner will inherit the property automatically, and a beneficiary account means the assets will transfer to that beneficiary without having to go through probate.
  • Powers of attorney – Estate planning is not only about what happens after you pass away, but also what happens should you become incapacitated by an illness or injury. You can draft a power of attorney to designate someone who has the authority to handle your financial and legal accounts and affairs. You can also designate someone to handle your healthcare decisions, which is part of your advanced healthcare directive.

Most people do not realize how many components they might need to have a comprehensive estate plan that achieves their goals.

Reviewing and Updating Your Estate Plan

Once you have an estate plan in place, it can be tempting to forget about it and assume you and your loved ones are protected. However, many life events – or even the passage of time – can make amendments to your estate plan necessary. We can help you update your estate plan after:

  • Having children
  • Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
  • Changes in your property
  • Changes in your close relationships
  • Business ownership

Contact an Estate Attorney in Roseville CA

The Sterling Law Group assists with all types of estate planning matters, and we can help you whether you already have some components of your estate planned or you are starting from scratch. Call (916) 790-0852 or contact us online for more information about our services today.