Most people know that creating an estate plan is the responsible thing to do. Unfortunately, few people take the time to make a plan—and if they do, they do not review it regularly. Even when a plan is in place, it may not work the way you expect. If you are exploring creating a plan, it is worth understanding some of the common issues with estate planning in Covina and how to avoid them.
At Amity Law Group, we have seen firsthand how a well-meaning plan can fall apart when people overlook key details. That is why our attorneys help clients create estate plans and review and update them as life evolves.
Outdated or Incomplete Documents
A common problem we see in Covina is when wills and trusts created years ago do not reflect your current wishes for your estate plan, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, new children, or property changes.
In some cases, people create documents on their own—maybe using an online service—and forget to sign them properly or follow state laws. Unfortunately, that can render the documents invalid.
For example, California Probate Code § 6110 outlines the requirements for a valid will. If those requirements are not met, the will could be challenged or dismissed entirely.
Estate planning is not something you should do once and never think about again. Keeping your plan current is necessary to ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.
Failing To Address Guardianship and Power of Attorney
Many people assume that a will or a trust is enough, but a comprehensive estate plan in Covina should also include other documents to avoid potential issues. What happens if you become incapacitated? Who will make medical or financial decisions on your behalf? It is best to get answers to these questions now.
A solid estate plan includes powers of attorney for both healthcare and finances, along with a living will. It may also designate a guardian for minor children or dependents. Leaving out these documents could cause confusion, delay, and even lead to court intervention.
If you have children under 18 or want to ensure someone you trust manages your affairs in an emergency, these tools are critical and require careful drafting to meet the state’s legal standards.
Misunderstanding How Assets Are Distributed
Another issue that causes frustration with Covina clients is not understanding the process for distributing certain assets from your estate plan. Not everything passes through your will. In fact, many assets pass to beneficiaries outside of probate automatically.
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and joint bank accounts will override your will. If your designations are outdated or inconsistent with your plan, you may unintentionally leave someone out or give them more than intended.
It is important to regularly review those designations, especially after major life changes. Often, people forget this step, but it could significantly impact your legacy and your family’s financial future.
Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure the coordination of important assets and documentation, from your trust and will to your bank accounts and real estate.
Talk to a Covina Attorney Today About Estate Planning Issues
Whether you are starting fresh or updating an existing plan, we could help you avoid common pitfalls and make confident decisions.
An estate planning attorney should take the time to listen to your needs and walk you through the options—clearly, calmly, and carefully. Your estate plan should reflect who you are, what you value, and how you want to care for those you love.
If you want to avoid issues with estate planning in Covina, now is a great time to contact Amity Law Group to schedule a consultation and protect your peace of mind.
