FULLERTON ESTATE
PLANNING LAWYER
FULLERTON ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
When it comes to your hard-earned money and life’s work, you can never be too careful. The world is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it’s possible to lose everything and leave future generations without support.
By creating an estate plan, you can prevent the government from deciding where your assets go. You can also ensure that you control who receives your money, property, and other holdings when you die. This kind of control is beneficial for creating generational security and ongoing family support.
Many people shy away from thinking about the end of their life, but the estate planning process is extremely important. With the help of an experienced attorney on your side, creating an estate plan can even make you feel better about the topic. When you have confidence that your family is cared for, you can live out the rest of your days with a sense of peace and security.
It is important to go through the process with an attorney or your assets might not go to the people you want to have them. Finding an attorney is the first step to securing your family’s future and planning your estate.
The Law Office of Christopher P. Walker: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fullerton, California
Our team has nearly 30 years of experience in estate planning. We have successfully helped hundreds of couples and families set up estates that have protected them for generations. Our long history in this field gives us a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of estates, including wills, trusts, and probate law.
When you work with us, you can trust that you receive accurate, honest information that will empower you to create the legacyyou want for yourself and future generations. No matter your situation, we have the expertise to help guide you. Our team is proud of our expansive knowledge and ensures that every one of our experiences works to your benefit.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is a complicated subject. Many people have a difficult time because all estates are different. Estate planning involves trusts, wills, and probate. These all have different advantages and disadvantages, and the combination and preparation of these documents yield a robust estate.
The act of estate planning is, at its root, getting your affairs in order before you pass away. Many people don’t begin to think of doing this until they’re old or sick, but anyone can create estate plans. In fact, the sooner you have a legal will and estate plan, the more secure your assets become.
What Happens If I Don’t Have an Estate Plan?
Things become logistically and emotionally complicated when a person passes away without a will or trust. First, the person’s assets must go through probate court. This is a legal process where the government assesses the situation and ensures that everything is in order. Many of the deceased’s debts are paid, and then the court assigns a will executor. If there is no will, the judge determines who gets the assets. Rather than splitting them between several family members, probate court judges often give all the resources to the next of kin.
This is problematic in a few different ways. Though a person’s next of kin will likely get a portion of the deceased’s assets in any circumstance, they likely won’t get all of it. Most people divide money and property between several important loved ones. If there’s no will and all assets go to the next of kin, your other family members are left with nothing. Your next of kin can do what they please with your estate, even if it’s not what you would have wanted. Without a will, no one is obligated to act in your best interest.
For example, let’s say you had three sons with your first husband before you divorced. Your second husband has two daughters. If you pass away and you don’t have a will, your assets will move to your next of kin, which would be your second husband. He can then leave all your money to his biological children in his will, meaning that your hard-earned money never makes it to your children.
Wills allow you to control what happens with your estate and ensure that your family and loved ones are protected. Without a will, you are vulnerable to situations like the one above.
LIVING WILLS
Unlike a standard will, living wills detail what you want to happen to you if you are ever incapacitated. Medical care preferences, religious needs, and other stipulations can go into this document, and it must be followed if you cannot make decisions for yourself. This ensures that you always have control over your own life. Many people put resuscitation and life support documents in their living will.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
Another critical part of estate planning is establishing a power of attorney. This person will be able to step in and make legal decisions for you in your absence. Financial powers of attorney help make financial decisions, while durable powers of attorney have more all-encompassing privileges. It’s important to know that you have control over your power of attorney. You do not need to give them access to all areas of your life and estate.
EXECUTOR
In your estate plan, you should name an executor for your will. This person’s responsibility will be to carry out the wishes outlined in your will. They will be in charge of distributing money, objects, and property and making sure that everyone acts in your best interest.
If you do not name an executor, the state will name one for you. This can be difficult, as it often chooses individuals who are close to the deceased. However, those closest to you will need space to heal. Your best choice of executor is someone who is reliable, honest, and who cares about you but who won’t be devastated by their grief. This makes for a smoother process.
TRUSTS
Another significant aspect of estate planning is setting up a trust. This isn’t necessarily required, but it can be beneficial in some circumstances.
Trusts involve appointing a trustee to hold and manage your assets on your behalf. This can be a good situation if a person’s mental or physical health is deteriorating, and they want to make sure that someone they trust has control over their assets.
Living trusts are especially common options. These trusts allow you to be your own trustee so that you can retain access to your assets while you’re still alive. When you pass away, the trust moves to another person who will handle your affairs. Trusts can help your assets avoid probate court and some taxes. This maximizes the amount of money that goes to your beneficiaries.
Why Do I Need a Fullerton Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate planning services from an experienced attorney can help you maintain your family’s wealth and avoid unnecessary government intervention. There are many benefits to having an estate plan, and attorneys are the best resources for creating them. All too frequently, people create estate plans that are not valid, or that leave significant vulnerabilities for the family. An attorney can help make sure that your document is airtight and reliable and that your family will benefit from it.
You don’t want to take any risks when it comes to all your life’s savings and earnings. Hiring an attorney with experience in estate planning law helps you feel confident about your estate and be sure that you’re doing everything you can for your family. These documents are serious and life-impacting; it’s only appropriate to go through the proper legal channels to create them.
When Should I Start Estate Planning?
It isn’t always necessary to set up anestate plan the minute you learn about them. However, it’s important to begin some estate planning as soon as you have significant assets or children. For most people, buying a first home or having a first child signals the need for a will, at the very least. Wills outline what will happen to your home if you pass away, as well as who should be the guardian for your child. This document protects both in the case of an emergency or accident.
For more complicated setups like living trusts, you should begin the process when you are near retirement at the latest. Otherwise, you should set them up when you feel as though you have a significant amount of holdings or assets to give away. Having a trusted estate attorney on hand can help you make these decisions and update your estate as needed.
Contact Fullerton Estate Planning Lawyers
If you’re looking for an estate planning attorney in the Fullerton, CA, area to help you with your will, trust, or other arrangements, our team at the Law Office of Christopher Walker is here to help. With our experience in the field, we can ensure that your estate works well for you, your family, and future generations.
To begin working with us, please contact us online today.
Living Wills
Unlike a standard will, living wills detail what you want to happen to you if you are ever incapacitated. Medical care preferences, religious needs, and other stipulations can go into this document, and it must be followed if you cannot make decisions for yourself. This ensures that you always have control over your own life. Many people put resuscitation and life support documents in their living will.
Powers of Attorney
Another critical part of estate planning is establishing a power of attorney. This person will be able to step in and make legal decisions for you in your absence. Financial powers of attorney help make financial decisions, while durable powers of attorney have more all-encompassing privileges. It’s important to know that you have control over your power of attorney. You do not need to give them access to all areas of your life and estate.
Executor
In your estate plan, you should name an executor for your will. This person’s responsibility will be to carry out the wishes outlined in your will. They will be in charge of distributing money, objects, and property and making sure that everyone acts in your best interest.
If you do not name an executor, the state will name one for you. This can be difficult, as it often chooses individuals who are close to the deceased. However, those closest to you will need space to heal. Your best choice of executor is someone who is reliable, honest, and who cares about you but who won’t be devastated by their grief. This makes for a smoother process.
Trusts
Another significant aspect of estate planning is setting up a trust. This isn’t necessarily required, but it can be beneficial in some circumstances.
Trusts involve appointing a trustee to hold and manage your assets on your behalf. This can be a good situation if a person’s mental or physical health is deteriorating, and they want to make sure that someone they trust has control over their assets.
Living trusts are especially common options. These trusts allow you to be your own trustee so that you can retain access to your assets while you’re still alive. When you pass away, the trust moves to another person who will handle your affairs. Trusts can help your assets avoid probate court and some taxes. This maximizes the amount of money that goes to your beneficiaries.
Why Do I Need a Fullerton Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate planning services from an experienced attorney can help you maintain your family’s wealth and avoid unnecessary government intervention. There are many benefits to having an estate plan, and attorneys are the best resources for creating them. All too frequently, people create estate plans that are not valid, or that leave significant vulnerabilities for the family. An attorney can help make sure that your document is airtight and reliable and that your family will benefit from it.
You don’t want to take any risks when it comes to all your life’s savings and earnings. Hiring an attorney with experience in estate planning law helps you feel confident about your estate and be sure that you’re doing everything you can for your family. These documents are serious and life-impacting; it’s only appropriate to go through the proper legal channels to create them.
When Should I Start Estate Planning?
It isn’t always necessary to set up anestate plan the minute you learn about them. However, it’s important to begin some estate planning as soon as you have significant assets or children. For most people, buying a first home or having a first child signals the need for a will, at the very least. Wills outline what will happen to your home if you pass away, as well as who should be the guardian for your child. This document protects both in the case of an emergency or accident.
For more complicated setups like living trusts, you should begin the process when you are near retirement at the latest. Otherwise, you should set them up when you feel as though you have a significant amount of holdings or assets to give away. Having a trusted estate attorney on hand can help you make these decisions and update your estate as needed.
Contact Our Fullerton Estate Planning Law Office
If you’re looking for an estate planning attorney in the Fullerton, CA, area to help you with your will, trust, or other arrangements, our team at the Law Office of Christopher Walker is here to help. With our experience in the field, we can ensure that your estate works well for you, your family, and future generations.
To begin working with us, please contact us online today.
From Our Clients
After years of putting off doing a will... we now can rest assured our family estate is legal and ready when we need it.
I found Mr. Walker on the net and am confident to recommend him for legal matters. Office staff was very attentive.
Hurray we finally did it!!!
- Tess
I've been through difficult times so I hired Mr. Christopher Walker to help me, I am very impressed the way he does business. He explains everything in a very professional way he did excellent job for me. I don't know many attorneys out there that answer they're office phone but he does and he returns calls quickly.
- Carlos C.
I have been working with Chris for at least 5 years. He helped us with our Trust. He is transparent and listens. I would recommend him highly.
- Octavio N.
I am not a man known for being a word smith so I am going to put it simply. The hardest year of my life has finally ended on a very high and happy note. Mr. Walker and Laurie are the best partners anyone could ask. They work tirelessly and made the difficult confusing process easy to understand and the clouds have now cleared! Thanks for everything.
- Justin C.