Services

Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate during a person's life. It typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. However, the ultimate goal of estate plan is determined by the specific goals of the client and may be as simple or complex as the client's needs dictate.

Free consultations are offered on estate planning matters.

Wills and Trusts

Everyone has heard the terms "will" and "trust," but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning devices that serve different purposes, and both can work together to create a complete estate plan.

One main difference between a will and a trust is that a will goes into effect only after you die, while a trust takes effect as soon as you create it. A will is a document that directs who will receive your property at your death and it appoints a legal representative to carry out your wishes. By contrast, a trust can be used to begin distributing property before death, at death or afterwards.

Another difference between a will and a trust is that a will passes through probate. That means a court oversees the administration of the will and ensures the will is valid and the property gets distributed the way the deceased wanted. A trust passes outside of probate, so a court does not need to oversee the process, which can save time and money. Unlike a will, which becomes part of the public record, a trust can remain private.

Medi-Cal Planning

With nursing home costs hovering around seven thousand dollars a month, you may wonder how you will ever be able to afford long-term care. However, you can plan ahead to receive Medi-Cal benefits. Medi-Cal is California's version of Medicaid. There are certain eligibility requirements for this program. However, I can provide you with effective planning strategies to help you qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. I provide personalized attention and am genuinely involved in every case I handle. Through my representation, I will work to find affordable solutions that can help you and your family plan for the future.

I provide free consultation to anyone who currently needs long-term care or will need care in the future can benefit from Medi-Cal planning.

Probate and Trust Administration

When a loved one passes on, it is likely that some or all of his or her estate will have to pass through probate. This process can be complicated and time-consuming. However, I can review the estate and advise you as to the most efficient and economic manner to transfer property to the rightful heirs. You can rely on me to inform you of all the options available to administer and distribute the estate. With or without a will, I can help guide you through the entire process. Even when administering an uncomplicated estate, the process may take anywhere from six months to one year. Additionally, probate fees can range from two percent to 10 percent of the estate value. For this reason, it is important to seek my assistance to learn ways to avoid probate through proper estate planning, which can help provide you with peace of mind and make asset distribution more efficient. I am an estate planning, trust and probate law certified specialist by the California State Bar. This prestigious certification has been earned by only a select few prominent California lawyers. You can rely on my skill and knowledge to help you through the process efficiently and effectively.

Many people create trusts during their lifetimes to protect their families from the costly and timely process of probate, to reduce federal estate taxes, to protect a loved one with special needs, and for a variety of other reasons. When it comes time to administer a trust, the trustee may seek assistance from an attorney to ensure that the process is completed in accordance with the law. If you have questions about the trust administration process, please contact me. I can answer your questions and guide you through the trust administration process, and finalize your loved one's estate.