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Estate Planning and Litigation
Consult With a Modesto Estate Planning Lawyer From Our Firm
Far too many people do not have an estate plan in place. Preparing for death or incapacity is not something people like to think about.
Although it is a difficult subject to think about, there are several questions you should ask yourself:
- Who will take care of my finances if I am unable to?
- Who will make my healthcare decisions if I cannot?
- Does he or she currently have the authority to make decisions on my behalf?
- What will happen to my assets after I pass away?
These are just a few questions to ask yourself. A Modesto estate planning lawyer from our firm can assist you in developing an estate plan that suits your needs.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Modesto Estate Planning Lawyers
At Swingle, Van Egmond & Heitlinger, we will talk with you about your goals and concerns, analyze your situation, and work with you to come up with a solid estate plan.
Get started with us today by giving us a call at (209) 340-1110 to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation. You can also contact us online and our office will be in touch with you soon.
What Is Estate Planning?
Generally, estate planning is a process that an individual goes through when planning for death or incapacity. The individual determines who will make certain medical and financial decisions on his or her behalf and then grants them the legal authority to make those decisions.
The individual also decides what will happen to his or her assets after becoming incapacitated or passing away.
There are several benefits to creating an estate plan, including:
- Possible tax benefits
- Privacy
- And peace of mind knowing that decisions will be made based on your intentions
Estate plans differ, so it is important that you speak with an estate planning attorney in Modesto that is familiar with current laws surrounding trusts and estates.
What Legal Documents Does an Estate Plan Consist Of?
The legal documents in an estate plan vary depending on the preferences and intentions of the individual creating the estate plan.
The following list contains some of the documents that we may recommend to be included in your estate plan:
- Revocable Living Trust
- Last Will and Testament
- Pour Over Will
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Living Will
- Advance Health Care Directive
- HIPAA Authorization
When to Start Estate Planning
You may be wondering when it is time to start estate planning. You should begin estate planning as soon as you become a legal adult. When you turn 18, you become responsible for your finances, healthcare, and more. Part of that responsibility is making sure you have an estate plan that suits your needs.
To ensure that everything is consistent and accounted for, it is wise to update your estate plan every 3 - 5 years afterward to ensure that your estate plan remains consistent with any life changes.
When creating your estate plan, you should consider:
- Your savings account
- Any property you own
- The combination of assets if you are married or have remarried
- Guardianship of your children and their financial security
- Your grandchildren
- Inheritance of money or property
- And more
Do You Need Legal Assistance for Estate Planning or Litigation?
Swingle, Van Egmond & Heitlinger has knowledgeable and practical experience drafting estate plans. We keep current on the laws surrounding estate planning and related tax law. We will work one to one with you to create an estate plan that addresses your concerns and parallels your intentions.
Contact Our Modesto, California Estate Planning Lawyers.
Do you need sound legal advice about your estate plan? Speak with a Modesto estate planning lawyer or a Turlock estate planning attorney from our firm.
Discuss your particular circumstances by calling us at (209) 340-1110 or contacting us online.
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