Gardena Estate Planning Lawyer

Gardena Estate Planning Attorney

People of all ages and lifestyles can benefit from estate planning. The truth is, it’s never too early to plan for the future. Whether you have a lot of assets or just want to know your affairs are in order, a Gardena estate planning lawyer can provide essential and valuable legal advice as you begin planning.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer to Help You Plan for Your Family’s Future

Meinzer Law Firm, PC meets directly with clients to discuss their unique needs and suggests legal services that meet their estate planning goals. Our comprehensive legal offerings include an array of options we suggest to our clients to fit their circumstances. We take a straightforward approach and provide asset protection that can withstand the test of time.

Estate Planning With an Established Gardena Estate Planning Attorney

When you hire an estate planning lawyer with legitimate experience in estate planning, you ensure your documents are legally binding. A qualified Gardena estate planning lawyer can provide professional legal services tailored to fit your situation. A sampling of services provided by an estate planning attorney is below:

• advising clients on ideal options for planning their estate
• draft and revised wills
• set up trusts
• plan for tax implications
• assist family members in administering the estate of their family members
• manage disputes among beneficiaries
• handle contests of the will
• facilitate distributions of assets in closing out the estate

Hiring a local Gardena estate planning lawyer is important. Local counsel is familiar with the jurisdiction and policies of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Avenue in Torrance, has jurisdiction over Gardena. This is where estate matters are handled, should they require probate. However, if you are interested in avoiding probate, an attorney can advise you on ways to circumvent the court.

Many people write their wills based on an example they find online or using a template service. These options are often free or inexpensive, which is why they often result in low-quality documents that may not hold up in court. Without a legal professional to guide you, the chances of your will being in compliance with Los Angeles County estate planning laws are significantly lower.

Avoiding Probate

When you make a will online, as a matter of fact, you ensure your estate will go through probate court. All wills must go through probate court, but there are ways you can avoid probate for your survivors. An experienced Gardena estate planning lawyer can offer invaluable advice on avoiding probate, if that’s something you want. For instance, placing your assets in a trust can avoid probate, providing privacy and an easier process for your loved ones.

By keeping your affairs out of court, you not only maintain privacy for your family and your affairs, but you also avoid paying probate fees. Probate Code § 10810 outlines probate fees, which start at 4% on the first $100,000 of the value of the estate. The next $100,000 is subject to a 3% fee, and an additional $800,000 of an estate’s value is subject to a 2% fee, up to $25 million, at which point a reasonable amount can be decided by the court.

Why Choose Us?

Meinzer Law Firm, PC, has successfully helped our clients plan their estates in countless estate planning cases. For over 20 years, we have been working to meet the individual and unique needs of our clients. In this time, we have honed our skills and are prepared to assist you with your estate planning needs. We believe our clients should understand all their estate planning options, and it is our responsibility to make sure they do.

There are 2.3 million adults in Los Angeles County over the age of 60. We believe, though, that every Los Angeles County resident, regardless of age, should engage in estate planning.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Do Estate Planning in California?

The cost of estate planning in California can vary. Factors that can affect estate planning costs include the region where the lawyer practices. If you live in a neighborhood with a higher cost of living, legal fees will be higher. Also, the extent of your assets and estate planning needs can affect the cost. For instance, setting up a complex trust would typically cost more than drafting a simple will.

What Kind of Lawyer Do You Need for Estate Planning?

To ensure proper estate planning that is legally sound and can withstand unexpected changes in estate planning laws years down the road, you need an estate planning lawyer. Look for a wills or trust attorney with experience setting up wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other components of estate planning. Estate planning lawyers are not to be confused with real estate attorneys, who deal with property matters.

Do I Need a Will?

Even if you don’t think you have a lot of assets to leave behind, your surviving family members may have difficulty settling your affairs. If your estate is valued at more than $208,850, it must go through probate, and, unless you were married, California intestate laws dictate to whom your assets can be distributed. If your estate is valued under that amount, your loved ones will still have to wait at least 40 days to move your assets.

What Is the Difference Between an Estate Lawyer and an Estate Planner?

The difference between an estate lawyer and an estate planner is slight. These labels may even be used interchangeably in many estate planning cases. However, some legal professionals may prefer one title over the other. An estate lawyer is a lawyer who strictly offers services related to probate and the handling of legal documents. An estate planner can offer comprehensive financial planning services, such as trust structuring and tax strategy.

Gardena Estate Planning Lawyer

Regardless of the worth of your assets, if planning for the future is something you’ve thought about, then engaging in estate planning can relieve those worries. Our clients often tell us they feel relieved once they make these important decisions and put their final wishes in writing. We want to offer you that peace of mind as well. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.