E-state planning can be a very complex issue for couples in San Diego and throughout California. Most individuals do not want to end up in court when it comes to estate planning disagreements and want to make sure everything is completed properly and planned out so that all parties are comfortable with the final product. A Fair Way Mediation has over 30 years experience in estate planning services, our estate planning mediator works closely with clients to prepare trusts, wills, and other legal documents that are needed.
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It is often very easy to put off estate planning as it usually isn't front of mind for individuals. Most individuals don't have any estate plans or wills in case of a death, or sadly, an unexpected death. Estate plans allow San Diegans to distribute their assets and estate according to their own wishes after passing.
Estate Planning San Diego
When a loved one passes, a comprehensive California approed estate plan will make it far easier to access necessary accounts and information. Far too often we come across cases where someone has passed and the family has no idea where accounts are, how the assets should be distributed, and end up spending thousands of dollars in lawyer fees to go to probate court to get answers to these issues. Having a proper estate plan in place will ease the stress of an already grieving family.
Why Should Californians Create Estate Plans
Taking the time to create an estate plan is extremely beneficial. A well thought out and organized estate plan will help you:
Define your wishes regarding end-of-life treatment or other critical medical decisions
Care for a spouse, significant other, or domestic partner after your death
Reduce or, in some cases, eliminate expensive probate-related costs
Minimize estate taxes, allowing more assets to pass to surviving family members
Disperse property per your wishes
Provide for a special needs child, the needs of an elderly parent, or another beneficiary who would benefit from a trust structured to meet their needs for life
Effective San Diego Estate Planning Techniques
As stated, estate planning is a complex process, and when done correctly will involve a variety of legal documents and actions. A Fair Way Mediation will work with you to mitigate and eliminate potentially ambiguous or uninteded distribution of assets. We do this through the implementation of an individualized strategy and following the core estate planning techniques.
Wills: An important part of any estate plan, a will reduces the potential for adverse legal, financial and tax consequences to your estate.
Trusts: Whether used to reduce tax liability or to help avoid the family member disputes so prevalent in probate cases, drafting a trust has several notable benefits for estate planning.
Probate administration and litigation: Generally necessary in California if a person has more than $150,000 in assets held in their name when they die, probate can be a costly and complicated process.
Asset protection and tax planning: Through techniques such as gifts of property, insurance and retirement plans, you can optimize the security of your assets and legally deter creditors.
Responsibilities of executors and trustees: If a loved one dies with a will or trust, the responsibilities of executors and trustees can seem overwhelming without legal counsel.
To get a free consultation on our estate planning needs, call us today!