What is Estate Planning?
When people hear the word “estate” they often think of mansions with sprawling grounds. So, when they hear the words “estate planning,” they think it must be something only for the super wealthy. But, whether you know it or not, if you have assets, like real estate, bank accounts, cars, and other assets, then you have an estate, too. Therefore, you should probably be doing some planning.
An old saying provides that “in life, everything can be remedied except for death.” One day, all of us will pass away. When that happens, you’ll likely want everything you own: your real estate, your valuable collections, your retirement funds, and everything else to be passed to the people you love most. However, you may not be aware that there are certain laws in California that may stand in the way of your wishes. Your loved ones may also have to spend tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and other costs so that those you love can finally get access to the assets you currently own.
Creating an Estate Plan with a San Diego Estate Planning Attorney
If you were to become incapacitated, even just temporarily, who could handle your affairs? Who could access your bank accounts to continue paying your bills? Who could speak to government agencies and financial institutions on your behalf? Who could make medical decisions for you? Would your employer release private and confidential information to your loved ones? For privacy and liability reasons, your loved ones may not have as much power as you’d imagine. However, a San Diego estate planning attorney can protect you and your loved ones. An estate plan designed by a San Diego Estate Planning attorney will include many legal documents that will protect everything you own by keeping them in the hands of those you love in emergency situations.
If you don’t plan correctly, then things can get very complicated, and very expensive, very fast. If you were to pass away, you would no longer be alive to protect those you love and they would be vulnerable to the laws of California. Too many times, after a death of a loved one, people can lose the rights to live in their homes, lose access to assets, and their lives can be totally up-ended. Hiring lawyers to protect interests can cost thousands of dollars and going to court can take months, if not years to resolve. However, by having a California estate plan designed by a San Diego Estate Planning attorney, you and your loved ones will retain control of everything you own. You will control how things are to be managed going forward, despite what unforeseen events take place.
Schedule a No-Obligation Consultation with a San Diego Estate Planning Attorney
If you’re interested in developing an estate plan, but don’t know where to begin, schedule a consultation with us by clicking this link. If something were to happen to you, what would worry you most? Have you thought what you’d want your final wishes to be?