San Diego Estate Planning Lawyer

San Diego Estate Planning Attorney

Many assume that estate planning, such as establishing a trust or creating a will, is only necessary for families with significant assets. In reality, estate planning is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone. Covering the financial and material needs of your loved ones in the event of your death should be a priority for anyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or age.

It is essential to make a plan that ensures the proper division of your assets and that your loved ones are taken care of, regardless of the size of your estate. This process can be time-consuming and overwhelming, so working with an experienced San Diego estate planning attorney is in your best interest. The experts at Bravo Law, APC, can help.

The Basics of Estate Planning

The term ‘estate planning’ may seem confusing, but it is simply the process of taking an inventory of your assets and determining how you want them divided in the event of your death. This assessment is a very important process for anyone, regardless of the size of their estate, but it can take a significant amount of time and attention.

When you are dividing up assets, it is important to dedicate as much time as necessary to the process to ensure that all your wishes are carried out. One of the first major decisions you will make is what estate planning tool you would like to use.

Popular Estate Planning Tools

When you are planning your estate in San Diego, California, there are several different tools you can utilize. While they all work to divide and protect your assets, each is executed differently. Wills and trusts are the two primary estate planning tools, but they can also take different forms.

Everything To Know About Creating a Will

One of the more familiar estate planning tools is a will. In a will, you will detail all your assets and how you want them to be divided when you pass away. Putting these wishes in writing makes the document legally binding. Creating a will also allows you to dictate who will care for any children, what support you will provide for non-family members, if any, and whom you want to act as the executor of your will.

While creating a will is an effective tool, there are also a few key restrictions in place regarding how a will can be used. Your will must be processed through the courts when you pass away, so there may be additional fees and taxes that reduce the number of assets distributed to your loved ones.

Your loved ones are permitted to challenge the will in court and attempt to change it if they believe the will is unfair. You also cannot include any jointly held assets, such as homes or businesses, in a will. Regardless of these restrictions, creating a will is still a great option for many people planning their estate.

Do You Need a Living Will?

Creating a will to ensure that your assets are divided the way you want them to be when you pass away is important, but that is not the only estate planning tool that is considered a will. Many people also choose to create a document called a medical care directive or living will. You may find yourself in a situation where you are sick or injured and cannot make decisions about your own care. A living will is another legally binding document that gives you the freedom to dictate what care you would like to receive if that circumstance were to arise.

A medical care directive outlines who is responsible for making care decisions on your behalf, how you want your medical care to be handled, and what care or procedures you do not want. This directive can be a helpful tool for individuals who have a history of major or terminal illnesses in their family. It can also be a great way to ensure that you have full control over your medical care and treatment, regardless of any incapacitation.

Everything to Know About Establishing a Trust

Creating a will or writing a medical care directive is not the ideal option for everyone. Some people want additional protection from taxes and other fees when they are planning their estate. Others want an option for flexibility in their planning. Establishing a trust is the best option in these circumstances.

Establishing a trust means that you choose an individual to designate as the Trustee of your estate. They are responsible for maintaining all of the assets that are placed in the trust and will distribute them to the beneficiaries at the proper time. Trusts are a good option for individuals who are looking to avoid additional fees that reduce the assets their loved ones will receive. A trust does not have to be processed in the probate courts, so that will minimize the fees and taxes that an estate will be subject to. You will be able to establish either a revocable trust or an irrevocable trust for your loved ones if a trust is the best estate planning option for you.

• Revocable Trusts are legal agreements that are established while the creator is still living. A trust is established as a stand-alone entity, from a legal perspective, that contains the titles of every asset included in the trust. One person, who is referred to as the Trustee, is chosen to be responsible for all of the assets in the trust. Revocable trusts are a good option for individuals who are seeking privacy because the trust does not have to be processed through the courts. Many people choose to establish a revocable trust because it can be changed while the individual is still living. The person who creates the trust is also able to maintain control and responsibility for all of the assets in the trust while they are alive, so the trustee will not be needed until that individual has passed away. A revocable trust is also a good option for those who want to ensure that their wishes for the end of their life are followed in the event that they cannot advocate for themself.
• Irrevocable Trusts are a strong choice if you have specific assets or items that you want to pass on to loved ones and you want those things protected from creditors, taxes, and fees. The process of executing an irrevocable trust is much simpler because, like a revocable trust, these agreements do not have to pass through the probate court. Also, like a revocable trust, irrevocable trusts have an individual trustee who is responsible for maintaining all the assets. Unlike a revocable trust, however, irrevocable trusts do not allow for the same type of flexibility, which can be a hindrance for some people. Once the chosen assets are placed into an irrevocable trust, they cannot be removed, and the creator of the trust no longer has any control over them. At that point, the trustee is placed in charge of the assets and maintains that control until the creator passes away.

Establishing a trust is a great choice if you want to ensure your loved ones’ needs are met, either materially or financially, in the event of your death. Whether you choose a revocable or irrevocable trust, these estate planning tools are a wonderful way to ensure that the assets you wish to pass on to your loved ones are secure and protected.

How a San Diego Estate Planning Attorney Can Help

Preparing for the future is important for anyone, whether they have a large estate or a few key assets. Protecting your assets and ensuring that your loved ones are cared for when you pass away is an important process, but it can be difficult to face it alone. The process of estate planning is time-consuming and may seem tedious or confusing. Working with an experienced San Diego Estate Planning lawyer can make it easier to handle. There are a few key things that an estate planning attorney can offer to ensure that your will or trust is established well and will meet your needs.

• Expertise. Attorneys that specialize in estate planning have dedicated years of their lives to learning the law. They understand the restrictions and limitations of each specific estate planning tool, as well as how to use them to get the most benefit for you and your loved ones. Their expertise will allow them to assess your specific situation and help you make the most effective choices.
• Experience. Estate planning attorneys have also spent years working with other clients who have completed the same process you are undertaking. They have seen what things did not work and what plans did. They will be able to offer insight based on previous clients to help you plan your estate well.
• Guidance. Tackling the estate planning process is daunting if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney can be an invaluable resource. They will be able to provide resources, information, and guidance as you complete the process to help you make the best decisions for your estate.

FAQs About San Diego, CA Estate Planning Laws

At What Age Do Most People Start Estate Planning?

You can start the process of estate planning at any age. In fact, many experts recommend that you begin the estate planning process as early as possible. Some suggest that you draft your first estate plan as soon as you are considered an adult, from a legal perspective, and update it every few years throughout your life. Planning your estate when you are older is also fine, but you run the risk of having no plan in place if you pass away unexpectedly. Experienced San Diego estate planning attorneys can help, regardless of your age.

What Is the Average Cost of Estate Planning in California?

It can be difficult to determine an average cost for estate planning. Several factors, such as where you live and how experienced your attorney is, can impact the overall cost of planning your estate. The primary costs in estate planning are attorney’s fees, which vary widely. An estate planning attorney will either charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. On average, you could expect to pay several thousand dollars when working with a lawyer to plan your estate.

What Are the First Steps To Settle an Estate in California?

There are several key steps you will need to follow if you are responsible for settling an estate in California. The first step is to go to the county where the deceased lived so you can open probate and file the will. You will have to file a petition with the courts to have probate opened, and the courts will tell you who the executor of the will is. Once that is determined, the executor will begin the process of carrying out the plans in the estate.

What Are the 7 Steps in the Estate Planning Process?

Estate planning is a lengthy process that takes a great deal of time and attention. There are seven key steps in the process of establishing your estate. First, you must determine what assets you have, which may include monetary and material assets. Next, you will determine what your family needs, then establish how you want your wishes carried out.

Once that has been done, you will name beneficiaries, follow estate tax laws, and decide if you want help from a San Diego estate planning attorney, which is recommended. The final step is to revisit your plan every few years to ensure it still meets your family’s needs.

Planning to ensure that your loved ones are supported is an important process, but it is not always easy to accomplish on your own. When you are in the process of estate planning, you must decide who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, how your assets will be divided, and how your estate can offer support to your family and loved ones. This process is not a simple undertaking, and you should have the necessary support as you complete the task.

Working with an experienced San Diego estate planning attorney can make managing the process easier. The expert team at Bravo Law, APC, is here to help. We will walk with you through the entire process to ensure that your estate is well-developed. Contact our team today for all your estate planning needs.