Preparation of Last Will & Testament
Orange County Estate Planning Attorney
Preparation of your last will & testament is your opportunity to direct the disposition of your assets upon death. Failure to do this will result in the assets passing according to state law without tax advantages or flexibility. It is wise to have an Orange County estate planning lawyer assist you. The lawyer will work to avoid unnecessary conflict among relatives by being specific and covering necessary topics. The lawyer will assure the will is verified in conformity to the law. Additionally the lawyer can recommend execution of appropriate documents to supplement the will.
At P. Arnsen Blakely, we have assisted Orange County, California clients in preparation of wills for many years. We take the time let our clients fully explain their estates, family situations and intentions for an estate plan. We then advise on options to achieve their objectives. This may include drafting certain provisions for their will, creation of trusts and other tools to transfer assets to the next generation. We offer tax planning to reduce estate taxes impact. We prepare living wills, also known as Advance Health Care Directives, to direct health decisions. We counsel on the benefits of probate and tools for avoidance of probate so clients can make informed choices.
Points to Consider in Preparing a Will
When drawing up a will, it is important to consider several different factors that will be included in the document. By speaking to an experienced estate planning attorney, you can be sure that nothing has been forgotten and that everything has been taken into account before finalizing the will.
The following list includes some of the things to consider with the guidance of a legal professional:
- Be Specific - Vagueness leads to probate litigation over what you intended.
- Mention all Children - If a child is omitted from a will, the child may challenge the omission as a mistake.
- Include the Spouse - The spouse has a right to a share of the estate. Leaving the spouse out invites litigation.
- Create Trusts - Trusts allow for flexibility in the care of minor children. They enable you to look out for spendthrift adult children. Create the trust now and fund it either now or at your death as directed in the will.
Speak to an attorney today!
Preparing a will is a process that should not be taken lightly. Thus, it is essential to enlist the services of an attorney before finalizing anything. Creating trusts is just one of the many important factors that must be taken into account, as avoiding vagueness is also extremely important if you hope to avoid complications for your relatives in the future. A will is meant to express your wishes after your passing, so make sure that your intentions are carried out later by taking the proper steps now.
Contact an estate planning lawyer from our Orange County firm today for more information. We have over 40 years of combined legal experience!
