QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN
Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to creating an estate plan?
You know you need to put your affairs in order, but you may not know where to begin.
At Bold, Polisner, Maddow, Nelson & Judson, we understand your concerns and we can assist. For more than 25 years we have helped clients throughout California develop effective estate plans to safeguard their interests and their families’ futures.
Over half of Californians do not have an estate plan and, as a result, subject themselves and their families to the probate courts. While there are many different questions that you may need to think about when creating an estate plan, the most common include:
What is the best way to transfer these assets?
In some cases, a will is all you need. However, in other cases, a trust is a much better choice to preserve and pass along your assets. Creating a trust allows your chosen beneficiaries to bypass the probate process, which can save them time, money and stress.
Who will care for my minor children or disabled family members?
You may want to create a guardianship or conservatorship to ensure that young children or those with special needs will be properly cared for after your death. If you have a beloved pet, you may even consider naming a guardian or creating a “pet trust” for the animal.
What about my needs for the future care I should receive?
Do you want to be placed on life support, if necessary? Are you willing to be given experimental drugs or treatments? Your answers to these kinds of questions should be documented in an advance health care directive. This way, your loved ones do not have to guess what you would prefer, should you end up in a coma or otherwise become unable to speak for yourself.
Who will make medical and financial decisions for me?
If you ever become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself, you will want to have a trusted person in place who can direct your affairs. This is the purpose of creating a power of attorney document.
Talk With Us About Your Specific Needs
Let our lawyers sit down with you and discuss your particular estate planning needs and concerns. Schedule a consultation by calling Bold, Polisner, Maddow, Nelson & Judson at 925-933-7777 in Walnut Creek, or at our Sacramento office at 916-933-7511. If you prefer, you can complete our online intake form. We will respond as promptly as possible.