Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate. Estate planning typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Guardians are often designated for minor children and beneficiaries in incapacity.
Estate planning involves the will, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, property ownership (joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entirety), gift, and powers of attorney, specifically the durable financial power of attorney and the durable medical power of attorney. After widespread litigation and media coverage surrounding the Terri Schiavo case, many estate planning attorneys now advise clients to also create a living will. Specific final arrangements, such as whether to be buried or cremated, are also often part of the documents. More sophisticated estate plans may even cover deferring or decreasing estate taxes or winding up a business.
Probate and Estate Planning Lawyers
Having a complete estate plan in place is one of the most important things you can do for your family prior to your death. Everyone should have an estate plan, regardless of age and income level. At the very least, individuals should have a Last Will and Testament and advance health care directives.
An estate plan is the best way for you to communicate your wishes for how your assets should be distributed and how your medical care should be handled. There are a number of issues that need to be considered and many possible solutions to help you reach your goals. An experienced Orange County estate planning lawyer can help you understand your options and work with you to build a plan designed to accomplish them. At the law firm of TDL International Law Firm, we represent clients throughout Orange County and all of Southern California.
Providing Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Our attorneys have experience handling cases involving all areas of estate planning and probate law:
- Wills and trusts
- Advance health care directives
- Durable powers of attorney
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Will contests and trust disputes
In addition to helping clients prepare their estate plans, we also represent executors, personal representatives and trustees in a variety of probate matters. TDL also represent clients in will contests and other adversarial proceedings.
Call your TDL Estate Planning Attorneys for a Free Phone Consultation
Contact our office today to speak with an Orange County estate planning attorney. We offer a free initial phone consultation with no obligation. You can reach us by phone at 7147756050 or via e-mail.