Forming a comprehensive estate plan is something that all individuals should consider, making one of these plans can benefit any adult who holds property and needs to make plans for the future. Unfortunately, a sudden accident or illness could make the need for these plans all too apparent.
These plans can dictate what happens to your property after your death. However, it may also provide key tax benefits and help boost your eligibility for certain government benefits. Effective planning could also help heirs and beneficiaries receive property with minimal legal interference. A Tustin trusts and estates lawyer from our legal team is ready to help craft your estate plan. This includes working to identify your goals, measure your assets, and draft documents that carry the intended legal effect.
Identifying the Goals for Estate Planning
Estate planning requires an individual to take stock of their assets and identify what they want to happen at specific times. Of course, this includes creating testamentary documents that come into effect upon a person’s death. However, this plan could also include documents that transfer property before this time or that help to shift control of a business.
The first step in any effective estate plan is identifying an individual’s goals. These can be a direct transfer of property, placing assets into a trust, forming a business succession plan, or lowering one’s tax liability. Simultaneously, it is vital to nominate beneficiaries for these plans who are able to inherit with minimal court interference. A Tustin attorney could take the lead in assisting individuals in better understanding their needs and goals in the trusts and estates process.
Drafting Documents for Trust and Estate Planning
Once a party can determine what they want their estate plan to achieve, they can move on to creating the documents that produce the desired effect. The most common example of an estate document is a will. Here, a will instructs the probate court as to the testator’s wishes upon their death.
Other examples of documents that a person may be able to draft with help from an attorney is a trust that may result in a transfer to another party at any future date. In addition, a business succession plan may determine what happens to a party’s company if a sudden accident or illness occurs.
Each of these documents come with their own rules for proper formation. For instance, California Probate Code § 6110 says that all wills must contain the signature of the testator as well as the signatures of two witnesses that observed the testator’s signing of the document. Identifying the specific rules that govern the creation of testamentary documents is an important role for a Tustin lawyer during the trusts and estates process. Our team could take the required steps to ensure that these documents meet the necessary legal criteria.
Reach Out to a Tustin Trusts and Estates Attorney Today
It is never too soon to create an estate plan. Not only do these plans control what will happen after your death, but they can also provide peace of mind should a sudden illness or injury take hold. In addition, they can provide tax benefits as well as help you to plan for the long-term future.
A Tustin trusts and estates lawyer from our firm could help you. We could stand by your side to identify your goals, explain your options, and draft the legal documents necessary to help you to retain control over the future and meet your needs. Contact our team to learn more.