Palos Verdes Wills Lawyer

Palos Verdes Wills Attorney

When a person passes away, their estate often goes through probate. Without an established will, your property will likely not be handled according to your wishes. An experienced Palos Verdes wills lawyer is key to creating a legally airtight estate plan that can protect your assets and your loved ones after you pass away.

Hire a Wills Lawyer to Draft Your Estate Plan

Working with a Palos Verdes estate planning lawyer from Meinzer Law Firm, PC, can help make the most of your unique estate plan. With over 20 years of legal experience, attorney Andrew M. Meinzer has made it his goal to help California residents understand their legal rights. No matter your age, having a legally valid will is beneficial to protect your property.

The Process of Probate in California

When a person passes away in California, their estate goes through the official probate process. For residents of Los Angeles County, this process is generally handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street in Los Angeles. During probate, either an executor named in the deceased’s will or a personal representative appointed by the court has to:

1. Identify and collect the deceased’s property
2. Pay off debts and outstanding taxes with the assets
3. Distribute the remaining assets according to the individual’s will or by California’s intestate laws, if there is no will

As the wealthiest state in the United States, with California holding 17% of the nation’s net worth yet only making up 12% of the national population in 2022, California residents need to create legal documents to protect their property. The easiest way to do this is by drafting a will.

California Will Laws

With 27% of Rancho Palos Verdes residents being over the age of 65 in 2024, having a legally airtight will is vital, especially for those with family members, children, extensive assets, and real estate. Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhoods, including Mira Catalina, Country Club, The Crest, and Los Verdes, typically have vast estates that require careful legal protection.

In 2024, the average household income for Rancho Palos Verdes residents was $179,623, with the average home value being $1.61 million. Outlining how you want these high-value assets to be handled upon your death is the right way to make sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of.

What a Will Does

A will details how you want your estate to be dealt with upon your passing, such as who you want specific items to go to. For example, you can note that you want your home to go to your siblings upon your death, and your bank accounts to go towards your children. Each individual’s will is personal to their unique life.

If you don’t have a will, it can make the probate process even more arduous for your loved ones. It can cause intense familial disputes over property and make the process cost more time and money. To protect your family and help them through their grieving process, it’s important to hire a wills lawyer to help you draft a will that details your specific wishes.

How a Palos Verdes Wills Attorney Can Help You

During the drafting of your estate plan, attorney Andrew M. Meinzer can assist in:

• Assessing your needs and determining which assets can be documented in your will. Certain assets, such as joint property and retirement accounts that have a beneficiary designation, don’t need to be written into a will and pass automatically to the beneficiary you appointed when you pass away.
• Making sure the terms of your will are compliant with California law
• Drafting further legal documents to make a well-rounded estate plan for your specific needs, such as creating a living trust and a healthcare directive
• Representing your interests and personal wishes during the probate process when you pass away
• Advocating on your behalf during the court process, if any disputes arise during probate

FAQs

Do Smaller Estates Avoid Probate in California?

Smaller estates may avoid the traditional probate process in California. Those whose deceased loved one had an estate valued under $208,850 can instead have a small affidavit filed to request a transfer of property. This can help loved ones save time and money by avoiding court proceedings. However, this process can only start 40 days after the person has passed away and cannot be filed if there’s already an official probate case opened for the estate.

What Makes a Will Legally Invalid?

In California, a will is considered legally invalid if it isn’t in writing. Wills in California must be either typed or handwritten. If the will isn’t signed by the person creating it, it’ll be voided upon their death. Two witnesses must sign the will in front of the will’s creator. If it’s believed that the person creating the will did so fraudulently or wasn’t of sound mind, the will can be contested by interested parties and may become legally invalid.

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in California?

If you die without a will in California, your estate will be handled according to California’s intestate succession laws. The individuals who receive your assets depend on your personal familial situation. If you have a spouse but no children, your spouse gets 100% of your estate. If you have a spouse and children, the estate is divided between them. If you have no spouse or children, the estate goes to your parents, siblings, and other distant relatives.

Does California Have an Estate or Inheritance Tax?

California does not have an estate or inheritance tax that applies when someone passes away. However, there is a federal estate tax that applies to certain high-value estates in America. In 2026, estates valued over $15 million have to pay the federal estate tax. This threshold increases yearly. Those who have to pay this tax will have fewer assets to give to their heirs once they pass away. Speaking to an attorney to lower your estate’s value can be beneficial.

Estate Planning Made Simple

The team at Meinzer Law Firm, PC, is dedicated to protecting our clients. Contact our office in Torrance today to schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Andrew M. Meinzer. When facing the unknowns of the future, creating a will with the assistance of a lawyer is the right way to make sure your legal rights are secured.