Brea Wills Lawyer

Your loved ones and your estate represent two of the most important aspects you will leave behind once your life ends. It is essential to create an estate plan to protect them both well in advance of your passing—in many cases, this estate plan involves the drafting of a final will and testament. This vital document ensures that your assets are appropriately distributed after your death, according to your wishes. As you might expect, wills carry a great deal of legal implications, which is why many people seek assistance from lawyers who specialize in the field to protect their families from experiencing unnecessary probate litigation.

While a will cannot completely avoid probate, connecting with a Brea wills attorney can help you acquire the knowledge and guidance you need to create a clear, comprehensive will that effectively distributes your estate to your beneficiaries. Learn more about wills and how our Brea wills lawyers can collaborate with you through the process, then contact the Law Office of Christopher P. Walker to request a consultation.

Many people believe that wills must be created by a lawyer. While this is not completely factual—it is possible to draft a will on your own—there are many reasons to utilize a lawyer’s services when drafting a will, including:

1. A wills lawyer knows how to create a will that is legally binding and can be validated quickly in probate court, speeding your estate’s distribution and helping your loved ones avoid potential problems.
2. A lawyer can offer a higher degree of confidentiality than any online will drafting program.
3. A wills lawyer will ensure your wishes are fulfilled by helping you address each aspect of your estate.
4. A wills lawyer can help you protect your and your family’s interests with a comprehensive will and other essential documents.
5. A lawyer has a thorough understanding of estate planning.

To draft an effective will that can stand up to probate validation, it is helpful to utilize the services of a lawyer who specializes in wills and estate planning. A skilled attorney can also help you navigate the future tax implications of your estate and even make arrangements that consider complicated family situations.

There are many other instances in which a wills lawyer can help you, including determining what you should exclude from your will. Alternatively, it may be necessary to petition the court for authority over someone else’s will. Probate litigation or dispute among family members about how to distribute assets may also require the help of a probate or wills lawyer.

A wills lawyer can also help you create a number of essential estate planning documents to ensure your estate’s protection and appropriate distribution. A comprehensive estate plan may include several documents in addition to a will, including:

• Power of Attorney—A power of attorney is a legal document that designates another person to make decisions or act on your behalf when you are unable to do so. A wills lawyer can help you draft a power of attorney so that your loved ones can make decisions regarding your finances, property, or medical needs if you become incapacitated.
• Trusts—A trust is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets managed and who will manage them after your death. A wills lawyer can help you draft a trust and designate a trustee to act as a third party to hold your assets and distribute them to your beneficiaries.
• Advance Health Care Directives—A health care directive is a legal document that states the type of medical treatment you would like to receive if you cannot communicate your wishes. A wills lawyer can help you draft a health care directive like a living will to make decisions your future self cannot.
• Probate Proceedings—While not a document, probate is the legal process of reviewing a will and distributing its assets. A wills lawyer can help you create an effective will so that your estate passes to your designated beneficiaries in a timely manner.