Altadena, CA Estate Planning Lawyer

The goal of estate planning is to ensure a comfortable future for yourself and your loved ones. This includes planning for the inevitable realities of old age, protecting your interests in the event of an emergency such as a health crisis, having a succession plan for your business (if you own one), choosing guardians for your minor children (if you have them), and more.

Some people are hesitant to begin the estate planning process because they think it’s too legally complicated, or it will be too difficult to think about their own death. While apprehension is understandable, the right attorney can make all the difference in your experience. Our experienced Altadena estate planning lawyer, William Hayes, can simplify the process and give you peace of mind!

Attorney Hayes has over 40 years of experience and is exceptionally well-versed in California’s estate and probate laws. He will take the time to get to know you, your family, and your individual goals so that he can provide legal service that is customized to your unique circumstances. Call today to schedule your free consultation where we can go over your options, answer your questions, and put you on the best path forward!

What Are The Most Important Components Of An Estate Plan?

Based on your needs, our Altadena estate planning lawyer can help you utilize the following legal tools:

A will – the document where you list all of the money, property, and possessions you own and the individual(s) you will bequeath them to

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

An advance directive – sometimes referred to as a living will, this document spells out your preferences when it comes to certain medical care; for example, you may ask not to be resuscitated, not to be intubated, or not to be subject to other forms of artificial life support

Power of attorney – a document which 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 Having An Estate Plan So Important?
1. Estate plans ensure your assets bypass probate. Through tools like revocable living trusts, you can avoid the expensive, time-consuming, and complex California probate process. This means your heirs will receive their inheritances much faster and with less hassle!

2. You remain in control of your hard-earned wealth. It’s your money, and you should be in charge of who gets it. When you are clear and specific about which of your loved ones should receive your property, investments, and belongings, conflict and disputes within your family can be minimized.

3. Your loved ones will be protected. By working with our lead Altadena estate planning lawyer to craft a will, trust (or multiple trusts) guardianship designations, power of attorney, and more, you can have peace of mind that your loved ones are financially supported and cared for in the event of a tragedy which causes you to become incapacitated or pass away.

Why Work With Our Altadena Estate Planning Lawyer?

No matter the size or scale or your estate, you can trust Hayes Law Firm to align our strategy as closely to your goals as possible! We are committed to helping Californians build and protect their legacies for the future. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how our team can give you an advantage!