Fullerton Estate Planning Lawyer

Fullerton Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning can be an overwhelming task, which is why it’s important to have an experienced attorney help you with the process. A Fullerton estate planning lawyer is a licensed professional who focuses on end-of-life planning. These attorneys are well-versed in their state’s legal requirements for wills and other estate planning documents. They not only help in the drafting of these documents, but they also provide clients with guidance and feedback through any trials and tribulations that may occur during the process.

Choosing the Right Fullerton Estate Planning Lawyer

The Fullerton estate planning lawyers at Kevin Rice, Attorneys at Law have years of experience helping clients plan out how their assets will be divided when they die. With over 25 years of experience, we understand the importance of having a trusted and knowledgeable attorney help you create a well-written and thorough estate plan that is unique to your particular needs and wishes.

We pride ourselves on our client relationships and the time we take to create a custom-tailored asset division plan that works for all parties involved. Our caring team helps our clients feel heard, creating a trusting client-lawyer relationship. We understand the need to keep the relationship ongoing in the event changes need to be made to the plan. Connect with us today to get started on the estate planning process.

What Is Estate Planning?

The process of organizing and arranging for the management of a person’s estate and the distribution process of their assets in the event that they pass away or become incapacitated. The goal of planning this is to ensure a person’s wishes are followed, their assets are distributed in the most efficient way, and their family is cared for. This information is generally listed in a will or trust.

Aside from discussing asset distribution, a client can expect to also create documents that reference power of attorney, managing assets during incapacitation, minimizing potential tax implications, and healthcare directives. These comprehensive legal documents cover a variety of different scenarios.

Our Fullerton estate planning lawyers work closely with clients to ensure these documents reflect their thoughts, feelings, and needs, as well as adhere to state-specific requirements.

An Estate Planning Lawyer’s Responsibilities

An estate planning lawyer has several responsibilities within the realm of their job. These include drafting legal documents, providing guidance for clients, representing them during mediation or potential trials, estate tax planning, probate guidance, asset protection planning, beneficiary designation review, Medicaid planning, and charitable giving planning.

Aside from being well-versed in the complexities of California legal requirements, asset attorneys also ensure that the estate plan they create with their clients is as descriptive as possible. The duties of their job include the following:

• Creating and reviewing wills and trusts
• Planning for incapacity
• Advising on guardianship arrangements
• Helping with estate tax planning
• Handling probate and trust administration

Hiring an estate planning attorney to help with the creation of your plan allows you to rest assured that it is done correctly and can help provide you with some peace of mind, knowing that any legal troubles that may arise after your death will have minimal additional impact on your family.

What to Look for in a Fullerton Estate Planning Lawyer

When choosing an estate planning lawyer, it is important to take a number of factors into consideration:

• Experience and focus: Make sure the Fullerton lawyer has experience in estate planning, specifically with cases like yours This is especially useful if you are someone who has a complex estate, owns a business, or has a lot of property.
• Reputation and references: Look at client reviews to see if previous clients were happy with the attorney’s services. Ask close friends, family members, and trusted business associates for references for asset attorneys.
• Credentials: Verify that the lawyer is licensed in California, has a membership in estate planning law organizations, and is board certified.
• Approach and communication style: Be sure to pick a lawyer that uses a personalized approach for each of their clients, provides clear communication, and is easily accessible to answer any questions you may have.
• Fee structure: Ask up front about the lawyer’s fee structure and be sure you are able to afford their services.
• Comfort and trust: Pick an asset attorney that you trust and are comfortable having difficult conversations with, as your lawyer will need to know information that may be personal to you.
• Knowledge of state and tax laws: California state and tax laws are unique, and it’s important to pick a lawyer that has knowledge of both to avoid any errors.
• Long-term relationship: Estate planning is an ongoing process, as there are often times when amendments must be made to the plan after it has been drafted. Make sure the lawyer you choose is interested in continuing the relationship in case you need to make changes to your will or other estate planning documents.

Why Is Estate Planning Important?

Death can happen unexpectedly, and it’s important to have a comprehensive plan in place so no one is left wondering what your wishes were in regards to asset and property division. Aside from simplifying the transition and helping your loved ones by giving them instructions to follow, estate plans offer a variety of other benefits, such as:

• Avoiding probate: Probate is a lengthy, expensive, public process that estates go through if a person dies without having an estate plan in place.
• Asset protection: This is a set of strategies that protects assets from legal judgments, creditors, taxes, and other threats.
• Peace of mind: You are able to take at least one stressor off your life knowing your assets will be taken care of and distributed according to the plan you created.

Contact Our Fullerton Estate Planning Lawyers

By taking the time to connect with an estate planning attorney and create a comprehensive plan that outlines your wishes and asset division, you are ensuring protection and that your loved ones are taken care of after your death. Contact our Fullerton estate planning lawyers at Kevin Rice, Attorneys at Law, to get started working on your estate plan with a free consultation. We are here and ready to help you protect your legacy.