WILLS & TRUSTS
Almost without fail, the first question I am usually asked when I sit down with a new client is: Do I need a Will or a Trust? And my standard lawyer answer is, "Well, it depends."
As a general rule-of-thumb, if you own any real estate in the State of California that's fair market value is over $50,000 or if your other assets (such as bank accounts, investment accounts, and other personal property) total over $150,000, you need a trust (not simply a Will) to avoid probate. If, on the other hand, you do not own any real property and the value of your other assets does not total $150,000 or more, a Will might be the better option for you.
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We offer both Testamentary Wills and Revocable Living Trusts, each tailored to fit the specific needs of each and every one of our clients.
ASSET PROTECTION
The provisions of your Revocable Trust can be drafted in a way which "shields" the assets you're leaving behind from any future creditors of your surviving spouse, children, or other beneficiaries. In addition, we can craft your trust in a way that protects young or irresponsible beneficiaries from themselves and their own bad decisions if that is a concern.
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INCAPACITY PLANNING
Estate Planning is usually thought of as planning for death, but what happens if you're ever incapacitated and unable to manage your healthcare or financial affairs on your own? Sadly, incapacity events happen often- sometimes they're long-term, other times they're temporary- and putting an Incapacity Plan in place in advance allows you to select the person or people you would trust to manage your affairs during your incapacity.
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Our Incapacity Plan includes two separate Powers of Attorney, which would allow your appointed agent to step in and help you with your financial affairs, an Advance Healthcare Directive which outlines the specific healthcare wishes you would like your agent to execute on your behalf, a universal HIPAA Waiver, which allows your selected agent to speak with all of your healthcare providers and access your medical records, and a Nomination of Guardian, naming the person or people you would like to take custody of your child(ren) while you are incapacitated.
GUARDIANSHIP OF MINOR CHILDREN
What happens to my minor children if something happens to me/us? Sadly, without proper advanced planning, your minor kids could end up in the care of Child Protective Services until a judge determines who will take legal custody of them. The relieving news is that this situation is totally avoidable with the right tools. By executing a Nomination of Guardian, you will set out the person or people YOU trust to take care of your minor kids in the event of your incapacity or death.
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COST
An investment in your peace of mind
OUR FLAT-FEE
ESTATE PLANNING PACKAGES
INCAPACITY
PLAN
PACKAGE INCLUDES
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Statutory Durable Power of Attorney
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Expanded Durable Power of Attorney
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Advanced Healthcare Directive
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Universal HIPAA Authorization
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Nomination of Guardian for Minor Child(ren), if applicable.
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$775 (Single)
$925 (Married)
TESTAMENTARY WILL PACKAGE
PACKAGE INCLUDES​
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Testamentary Will(s)
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Powers of Attorney for Financial Affairs (2)
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Healthcare Powers of Attorney (2)
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Nomination of Guardian for Minor Child(ren), if applicable.
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Memorial Instructions
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$1200 (Single)
$1550 (Married)
BASIC TRUST-BASED ESTATE PLAN
PACKAGE INCLUDES
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Revocable Living Trust (w/ no asset protection or tax planning)
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Pour-Over Will(s)
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Certificate of Trust
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Financial Durable Powers of Attorney (2)
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Healthcare Powers of Attorney (2)
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Nomination of Guardian for Minor Child(ren), if applicable.
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Property Assignment(s) & Memoranda
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Trust-Transfer Deed(s) for any real property
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Memorial Instructions
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$2300
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ASSET PROTECTION TRUST PLANNING
PACKAGE INCLUDES
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Revocable Living Trust with built-in asset protection provisions (marital tax planning, beneficiary trust planning, or both)
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Pour-Over Will(s)
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Certificate of Trust
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Financial Durable Powers of Attorney (2)
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Healthcare Powers of Attorney (2)
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Nomination of Guardian for Minor Child(ren), if applicable.
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Property Assignment(s) & Memoranda
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Trust-Transfer Deed(s) for any real property
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Memorial Instructions
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$2800 - $3100