Pomona, CA Estate Planning Lawyer

Whether you’re ready to begin or just considering your options, our award-winning firm is here to guide you through the estate planning process, ensuring your future and your family’s well-being are secure. It can be intimidating to take the first step, and maybe you don’t feel like you are informed enough to know what you need, but our skilled Pomona estate planning lawyer is here to provide you clarity and confidence!

With over 40 years of experience, our lead attorney William Hayes is uniquely positioned to help you meet your personal and financial goals using tools such as wills, trusts, power of attorney, and more. He takes the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions, empowering you with the knowledge you need to secure your legacy.

Ready to begin? Call today to schedule your free initial consultation, where we can help you understand your options and move forward successfully!

Components Of An Effective Estate Plan

Based on your needs, our Pomona 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 event 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!

Steps In The Estate Planning Process

1. Meet with our Pomona estate planning lawyer to assess your needs and goals – Determine what you want to achieve with your estate plan, such as providing for your family, minimizing taxes, supporting charities, or ensuring your business continues smoothly.

2. Take inventory of your assets – List all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, insurance policies, personal property, and digital assets.

3. Evaluate your family’s needs – Consider the needs of your spouse, children, and other dependents. Think about guardianship for minor children, care for elderly parents, and special needs trusts for disabled family members.

4. Choose your fiduciaries – Select the individuals or professionals who will carry out your wishes. This includes naming an executor, trustee, health care proxy, and financial power of attorney.

5. Review initial drafts, make adjustments as necessary – communicate any changes to our Pomona estate planning lawyer to ensure your documents are as reflective of your intentions as possible.

6. Sign final drafts – After you’ve finalized and signed your documents, be sure to keep them in a safe place, communicate your plan to loved ones, and review and update them regularly!

How Our Pomona Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help

Estate planning is important because it safeguards your legacy, but most of all, it protects those you love most from uncertainty, stress, and legal burdens. At The Hayes Law Firm, we make the process as seamless as possible, because we know that thinking about a future where you’re not around can be a difficult experience. Let us give you peace of mind for the future! Call today to book your free consultation and learn more about how we can serve you.