Estate Planning

Whether you need a simple will, basic estate plan with a trust to avoid probate, powers of attorney, advanced health care directive, or all of the above, estate planning isn't just for the rich – it's for everybody.

Most people delay getting their affairs in order. That works just fine – until the unexpected happens. In California, anyone who dies with assets worth over $100,000 must have their estate overseen by a judge, in the probate court, an expensive and lengthy process. Even if you're net worth is far less, just owning a house with a mortgage over $100,000 will mandate probate. Wouldn't you rather that your loved ones get possession of your belongings right away, with waiting months or years? If so, you need a plan.

Basic estate plans contain four documents: a will, a trust, a power of attorney (in case you are incapacitated), and an advanced health care directive (known in some states as a "living will"). While you can prepare all of those documents on your own using software, or templates downloaded from the internet, wouldn't you rather make sure that they're done correctly – and that a lawyer will be around to ensure your wishes are met?

Don't be fooled into paying more for what you need. Or think that you can do it yourself without risk. Getting an affordable estate plan doesn't have to be expensive, and the result will be your belongings will go to your heirs – hassle free while minimizing legal expenses and taxes.

If you don't have a plan, and interested in finding out more, contact Chris. After a short discussion, he can recommend something that makes sense, is affordable, and will enable you to take uncertainty and risk out of your life.