A will is a legal document that records your wishes for what will happen to your assets upon your death. It states which family members, friends, and charitable organizations (if applicable) will inherit which possessions. Everyone needs to have a will – regardless of age or health or socioeconomic status – because no one is promised tomorrow! Without a will, California’s intestate laws will govern how your estate will be administered, and it may not be how you intended.

Many people think that a will is the only legal document they need to have, even if they haven’t made one yet. However, a will only takes effect upon your death, at which time it will have to go through a California court process known as probate before it can be validated and its contents carried out. Probate is expensive and time-consuming, which is why it is in your best interests to create a trust. A trust is a financial arrangement that owns your assets and can distribute them without the need for probate! Trusts go into effect during your lifetime; they can be useful to you and your family right now and offer numerous other benefits, such as preserving you or a loved one’s eligibility for needs-based programs and minimizing taxes.

There are many types of wills and trusts available to choose from. Our skilled, seasoned California will and trust attorneys can help you understand your options, make empowered decisions about getting your affairs in order, and create a smart will and trust strategy that will ensure that you – and not state laws or court processes – determine how your family is provided for in the future. Call today to schedule a free consultation!