Estate Planning Lawyer Santa Ana, CA

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have plenty of time for estate planning or that an estate plan is only necessary if you’re wealthy. If you have a preference for how you wish your assets distributed after you pass away, if you have minor children and wish to name their guardian, or if you have specific healthcare wishes you want to be honored if you can’t advocate for yourself, you need an estate plan.

At Katje Law Group, we work with families just like yours to create custom estate plans that cover your responsibilities and wishes. A Santa Ana, CA, estate planning lawyer from our firm can evaluate your financial situation and goals and recommend the appropriate legal protections you need. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney or guardianship agreements, we create an estate plan that works for you. Call today—you don’t know what the future holds.

What Does A Santa Ana Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

Everything you own, from real estate to a bank account or other assets, becomes your estate when you pass away. An estate plan consists of legal documents that outline how you want your property allocated when you pass away. It can include a last will & testament, a trust, or a series of trusts protecting certain assets from creditors or taxation. Without a will, then your assets are dispersed according to California intestacy and inheritance laws.

An estate planning lawyer can write a will for you and set up trusts to protect a home, provide income for a child’s education, or support a loved one with special needs. We can also set up a Power of Attorney to name someone to advocate for your health care wishes or manage your finances if you’re unable to.

Custom Estate Plans To Protect You And Your Family

Estate plans also include establishing a guardian for your children if both parents are deceased. You may have a preference for who you want to raise your child, but without making this known, your next of kin may be the child’s guardian. You can name a guardian in your will and a secondary guardian, just in case.

We cover every legal obligation and responsibility in your estate plan and can make changes as your life and relationships change. For example, if you get remarried, you may wish to change your estate plan so that your new spouse inherits or to set up trusts to protect certain assets for your child from your first marriage. Or, if you get divorced, you likely want to remove your ex from benefiting from your estate. We make your estate plan work for you.

Contact Us Today!

If you haven’t written a will or thought much about estate planning, now is the time to start. You don’t know what tomorrow could bring, but you can face an uncertain future more confidently, knowing that you created an estate plan to look after your family and make your wishes known. Contact Katje Law Group today to speak with a skilled Santa Ana estate planning lawyer.

Crucial Documents To Include In Your Estate Plan

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is crucial for ensuring that your wishes are honored after your passing and that your loved ones are taken care of. To develop a robust estate plan, several key documents should be included. Here’s an overview of some of the essential documents that your Santa Ana, CA, estate planning lawyer will recommend for your estate plan:

Last Will And Testament

A will is perhaps the most critical component of an estate plan. It outlines how your assets will be distributed upon your death and allows you to name guardians for minor children. A well-drafted will can help avoid disputes among family members and provide clear guidance on your wishes.

Living Trust

A living trust can be a valuable addition to your estate plan. Unlike a will, a living trust allows you to transfer your assets into the trust during your lifetime. This can help your heirs avoid the probate process, which can be time-consuming and costly. A living trust also provides more privacy since it doesn’t become part of the public record.

Durable Power Of Attorney

A durable power of attorney designates someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This document ensures that someone you trust can manage your financial affairs, pay bills, and handle investments without court intervention. It’s vital to choose someone reliable, as they will have significant control over your assets.

Healthcare Power Of Attorney

Similar to a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This document can specify your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care, ensuring that your wishes are respected.

Living Will Or Advance Healthcare Directive

A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where you are terminally ill or incapacitated. This document can specify your preferences for life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and palliative care, providing clear guidance to your healthcare agents and medical professionals.

Beneficiary Designations

Certain assets, like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts, allow you to name beneficiaries directly. It’s crucial to review and update these designations regularly to ensure they align with your overall estate plan. These designations typically override instructions in a will, so keeping them current is essential.

Inventory Of Assets

Creating an inventory of your assets can be incredibly helpful for your executor and beneficiaries. This document should include detailed information about your bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal property, and digital assets. Providing clear instructions on how to access these assets can streamline the administration of your estate.

Letter Of Intent

While not legally binding, a letter of intent can serve as a guide for your executor or beneficiaries. This document can express your wishes regarding asset distribution, funeral arrangements, and other personal matters. It can also provide context for your decisions, helping your loved ones understand your intentions.

Tax Documents

Including relevant tax documents in your estate plan can facilitate the tax process for your heirs. This may involve including information about property taxes, income tax returns, and any estate tax considerations. Proper planning can help minimize tax burdens on your estate and beneficiaries.

Do You Need An Estate Planning Attorney?

You never know what the future will hold. Contact Katje Law Group today to discuss a personalized estate plan to ensue all your responsibilities are covered.