Hawthorne, CA Estate Planning Lawyer

Have you taken the time to plan for the future? Do you know, without a doubt, what would happen to your money and property if you passed away unexpectedly, or how your family would handle your estate? 

If you don’t have an estate plan, the answers to these questions are probably “no”! This is why it is important to take the time to legally clarify your wishes in a comprehensive estate plan. 

Our experienced Hawthorne estate planning lawyer has been helping families protect their legacy for over 40 years! He listens to your story to gain a clear understanding of your goals, and addresses your concerns so you can move forward confidently. None of us know what tomorrow holds – don’t take a chance with everything you’ve worked so hard to build! 

Call The Hayes Law Firm today to book your free consultation and learn more about how we can serve you.

What Do I Need To Have In My Estate Plan?

Our skilled Hawthorne estate planning lawyer typically recommends that clients include the following documents in their estate plan:

A will – a list of all of the money, property, and possessions you own, as well as your heirs

A trust – a financial entity to which you can transfer your assets to be managed for the benefit of your beneficiaries, as well as the protection of your privacy and certain tax advantages

A living will – a document sometimes referred to as an advance directive; it spells out your preferences when it comes to certain medical care, such as if you do not want to be resuscitated, intubated, or subjected to other forms of artificial life support

Power of attorney – a document that authorizes an individual you trust inherently to make legal, medical, or financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and unable to do so yourself

Guardianship designation – a document naming the individual(s) who will become your minor children’s guardian in the even that you pass away or become incapacitated to the point where you cannot care for them

Special needs trust – this specific trust allows you to leave behind funds for a dependent or other loved one with special needs in a way that will not interfere with their eligibility for government benefits

Business succession plan – if you own a business, this tool prepares it for a smooth transition to the next owner/operator without stalling productivity

And more!

Why Is Estate Planning Necessary?

Estate planning not only ensures your assets are protected, but that your loved ones are taken care of. It keeps you in control of all the most important decisions, instead of other family members you may or may not trust, or a court that doesn’t know you at all. Whether you are deciding who your heirs are, who should be the guardian of your minor children, what kind of health care you receive, or something else, estate plans empower you to have control over your future, even after you pass on. 

Unfortunately, some people pass away believing that their will is enough to accomplish all of their goals, but the truth is that even with a will, your estate will still have to be probated. Probate is an immensely complex court-supervised procedure that is expensive and time consuming, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.

An estate plan that includes both a will and trust ensures that your wealth is able to be quickly and smoothly transferred to those you love most. Our lead Hawthorne estate planning lawyer can help you have peace of mind that your wishes will be honored!

Why Choose Our Hawthorne Estate Planning Lawyer?

The Hayes Law Firm offers many advantages, in addition to thorough and personalized service, including:

• FREE living trust identification cards that serve as a helpful, on-the-spot reference whenever you purchase new investments, open a new account or conduct a transaction for your trust
• FREE unlimited telephone support to answer your questions or help you with your trust
• FREE My Legacy workbooks to complete and share with your families
• FREE client seminars to educate you on various estate planning topics
• FREE regular legacy and estate plan checkups to ensure your documents reflect your most up-to-date wishes
• And more!

Call today to book your free consultation and learn more about your options and how our Hawthorne estate planning lawyer can assist you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning In Hawthorne, CA

I don’t consider myself “rich” – do I still need an estate plan?

Yes! Estate plans are for those of all ranges of wealth who own property and have money. 

Can I just get an estate plan off of the internet?

We do not recommend this estate planning strategy, as the DIY estate planning “kits” that can be purchased and downloaded from the internet are often generic and even vague, so they won’t account for California’s specific laws nor address your individual needs. 

What if I change my mind about my estate plan in the future?

If you change your mind, you can always revise your estate plan to reflect those changes of heart. In fact, we recommend reviewing your estate plan at least every 3 years, to ensure it is up-to-date.