An estate plan is not just your trust or your will. It is a complete set of tools used to control what will happen to you and your assets when you are no longer able to make those decisions for yourself.
A well-designed and maintained plan will make the implementation of your wishes easier.
There are different tools available: revocable trusts, powers of attorney, wills, advance health care directives, etc. There are also additional tools that go further to reduce the estate tax due after your death, such as irrevocable trusts and charitable trusts. For some families, a critical area of need is a Special Needs Trust to allow a child or loved one to maintain eligibility for public benefits and still receive inherited funds that can be used to enhance the quality of life.
An effective estate plan will meet your needs today, include tax planning strategies appropriate for your current situation and set the foundation for the future, as your family and financial situations change.
Creating a trust-based estate plan is often the best way to start. Especially in California, homeowners often use a revocable trust to avoid going through the probate process.
A qualified estate planning attorney can help you develop a successful estate plan. You need an attorney who:
- listens to you and explains options that will be suitable for your family;
- makes estate planning easy to understand;
- is a certified estate planning specialist who can help ensure your wishes are carried out
The attorneys at Hyatt McIntire & Associates can help you decide what type of an estate plan is best for you and your family, now and in the future. Please contact us today via email or (530) 674-9761 to set up an initial consultation.
Estate Planning Questionnaire
Click the button below to download and print our Estate Planning Questionnaire PDF.