An estate plan will help ensure that your loved ones are cared for in the event of your passing. It can also establish your wishes for your end-of-life care, designate beneficiaries, create trusts, and more. Estate planning can be stressful and it can be tempting to put it off. However, if you are getting older or struggling with an illness, it is important to tackle the estate planning process. You don’t have to do it alone, as an experienced estate planning attorney can help walk you through the process. Read on to learn more about the estate planning process in California.
Create a will
A will is one of the most important legal documents you can create in your lifetime. A will is a document that declares how your assets should be divided in the event of your passing. Some of these assets may include bank accounts, real estate, securities, and personal belongings. You can leave gifts to your beneficiaries, such as a handwritten letter, a photograph, a family heirloom, etc. It is important to understand that if you pass away without creating a will, your assets will be divided by the state of California, rather than according to your wishes. This is known as “dying intestate.”
Create a power of attorney
A power of attorney gives an individual the ability to act on your behalf. This may involve making bank deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions, paying bills, buying and selling property, hiring caretakers for either in-home care or otherwise, handling Social Security issues, and more.
Create an advance healthcare directive
This will help ensure that your end-of-life wishes are followed. This may include communicating your wishes to receive or not receive life-saving care, establishing your level of incapacity, and more.
If you have any questions or concerns about the estate planning process, our firm is here for you. We will advocate for you every step of the way. Reach out today to speak with an experienced and dedicated attorney. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin creating your cohesive estate plan.
Contact our Firm
Estate planning is a more urgent matter than you may think. You never know what the future holds. Contact The Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman to schedule a consultation today.