Estate planning services
Estate planning involves managing wealth both during the time you are alive as well as after death. It defines how your assets will be distributed to your heirs and saves them the time and cost of going through the public probate process. During your lifetime, you work hard to build wealth and protect your investments from undue taxation and other potential losses.
By establishing an estate plan, you’re ensuring your wealth is preserved for the next generation. The first step is to work with an estate planning attorney who will help you structure your estate in a way that is most advantageous for you and your heirs.
What it includes
A complete estate plan is more than a last will and testament. Along with designating your heirs and determining how your assets are to be distributed upon your death, an estate plan also includes the following:
- Preservation of assets during your lifetime and after your death.
- Ease and management of financial affairs and legal matters. Your beneficiaries will be able to access their inheritance more quickly and avoid lengthy court proceedings.
- A plan for accomplishing family goals, such as providing a trust or education fund for your children and grandchildren.
- Minimize tax liability. Without an estate plan in place, your estate will undergo the probate process, incurring fees and possibly a large tax bill.
Forethought and careful planning can help your heirs get the most out of your estate.
How you and your planner work together
Depending on your individual needs and desires there are a number of legal tools that can be put in place to accomplish your current and future goals, such as living trusts, last will and testament and lifetime gifts. Ideally, the professionals that draft your trust and estate plan documents account for every contingency. However, depending on how the estate plan was created, or whether it was created at all, situations may arise were you need legal help sorting out the issues.
In his role as a trust and estate litigation attorney, Shawn Leo works with his clients to resolve any disputes and protect their rights. Leo Law Offices are located in San Diego, and in addition to the state of California, Mr. Leo also has bar admissions in New York and New Jersey.
Should you have any questions about your specific situation, contact the office. Protect the wealth you have worked diligently to build and preserve your future legacy.