Estate Planning
Essentials
Take care of your family now so you can relax later
Our focus is on planning for your estate. Our comprehensive estate plan typically includes a Will, Revocable Trust,
Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive, and supporting documents but every family situation is unique. You are able to specify how you want your estate handled during periods of unforeseen disability and ultimately death so your family isn't left with uncertainty over how to handle your finances, medical care, and asset distribution.
The benefits of a comprehensive estate plan are many and the downsides are few. We are living longer than our ancestors and hopefully, enjoying wonderful relationships while adding some financial stability along the way. Many people think legal estate planning is about dying but the focus needs to be more about living.
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Traditionally, estate planning was all about what happens to the things we own after death and this is still an integral part of any comprehensive plan. Determining what family members and friends will receive gifts of your assets at your death is a major concern and aims to create a peaceful transition. But another overlooked benefit to creating your estate plan is making decisions for yourself now about what will happen during your life. Think of it as “lifetime planning.” Creating a comprehensive estate plan allows you to do the following:
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Name specific family members or friends to manage your assets and healthcare in the event of your disability or death
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Ensure that your values and wishes are respected
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Provide for family members either during or after your death
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Avoid family disputes over your healthcare and/or assets
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Show your family that you care by providing for them after you are gone
Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan
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Comprehensive planning starts by planning for the remainder of your life. Create a life plan that will protect your lifestyle and financial security and help you attain your goals during the rest of your lifetime; and especially important is planning for the possibility of your incapacity. Who should be authorized to step in and manage your finances if needed? Who should have access to your personal medical information? What financial and medical decisions should they be authorized to make?
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If you are married, a comprehensive estate plan will help ensure that your spouse will be able to live his or her remaining years with dignity and financial security. At your death, it can preserve an inheritance to pass along to your family in a manner that will not be squandered because of inexperience, illness, or a marriage gone bad.
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Created with the help of your lawyer, a comprehensive estate plan will allow your assets to be best utilized for your benefit during your life and then ultimately protected and preserved for the benefit of your intended beneficiaries after your death. In addition to protecting you and your loved ones from whatever the future may hold, and preserving your personal and financial autonomy, a comprehensive plan will provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that you have done what you can to prepare.
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Contact me to get started! (714) 619-4145!
We are proud to be part of the Metlife/Hyatt Legal Insurance panel of participating attorneys.
Complimentary Reviews
We will happily chat with you about your current plan and provide options about whether to update your documents and how to go about it. Remember that updating estate planning documents usually requires that you use the same method that was used to create the document in the first place.
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Update Your Current Documents
Laws change and the estate tax increases every year. It is wise to review your estate planning documents every few years or when there are major changes in your life. It's worth taking the time to check out. Click here to find out more about why it is smart to update your outdated documents.
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Convenience
We pride ourselves in providing convenience for our elderly and working clients. We are happy to meet on days and at times that work best for you. We understand how everyone is busy with life and we want to make this process as painless as possible.
Three Easy Steps
Estate planning doesn't need to be complicated.
That's why we made our process simple from start to finish.
1. Information Gathering
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After scheduling your first appointment I will send a Client Worksheet for you to complete. This worksheet gives you an opportunity to consider your overall goals and gather basic information relating to your estate. Of course if you have any questions about any of the information in the worksheet I encourage you to call me any time. Please just bring this completed form with you to our first meeting. I look forward to getting started on your plan!
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2. Initial Meeting
Next we we will meet to talk about your specific concerns. This first meeting usually lasts anywhere from one to two hours. I take the time to answer your questions and explain my ideas in plain English so that you understand the process. Many clients only want to know the bare minimum while others prefer to understand more fully the different provisions and procedures in implementing their plan. Either way, this first meeting a perfect time to address any questions that you may have. I want you to know that your concerns are my concerns.
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3. Plan Completion
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After our initial meeting I will prepare your individualized plan, which usually takes between two to three weeks. Once you are comfortable with your plan particulars we will meet again to sign and notarize your documents. Signing your documents takes about an hour, after which I will guide you through the funding process and you are done! You will be able to rest assured knowing that your goals have been met and that your family is protected. It's that simple.