Estate planning is essential for anyone who owns assets or businesses or has a substantial sum of money to their name. When you are estate planning California, seeking out the right attorney is essential to streamline the process while maintaining your peace of mind.
If you are currently in the process of estate planning Rocklin, seeking out an estate planning attorney California is highly advisable. The right estate attorney Rocklin can provide you with each step necessary to ensure your estate is secured and legally protected.
Preparing to meet with your estate lawyer Rocklin ahead of time with questions you would like to have answered can also help you to feel at ease with any decisions you make regarding your estate plan itself.
Questions You Should Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney
How long have you been working with estate planning in California?
Seek an estate lawyer that is well-versed in estate planning in the state of California. The more experienced the attorney, the more likely they will understand your rights and options in the state.
Is estate planning your primary focus as a law firm?
Whenever you are in the process of seeking legal representation while planning for your estate, search for an attorney or law firm that focuses strictly on estate planning. Firms that focus on estate planning have access to more tools, resources, and opportunities to ensure your estate planning goes exactly as you envision.
What are the services you provide?
Not all estate planning attorneys provide the same representation or services regarding estate planning. To find an attorney that is right for you, inquire about what their representation means and what services they intend to offer to you.
How do you process and execute estate plans?
Choosing the right legal representation for any reason takes time to better understand your preferred attorney’s process. Ask a potential estate attorney about their process in drafting and executing an estate plan. While some lawyers are more hands-on and will work with your plan themselves, others may delegate the operation to someone else, who then becomes responsible for handling your estate planning, even if you have yet to meet them personally.
Once you know what to expect when working with your estate planning law firm, you can remain comfortable and at ease with each new step.
Is my estate planning discussed with other members of your law firm?
While fielding law firms for your estate planning, inquire about their privacy policies and whether or not your case details are confidential when you are outside the lawyer’s office. While some attorneys work solo, others work with an entire team that may coordinate details and plans for each client they take on. Clarify how your preferred attorney will communicate their action plan with other legal team members when the time is right.
Can I review my estate planning documentation and changes as they are made?
Verify that when planning for your estate, you can maintain access to estate documentation and changes as they occur in real time. Your attorney should be open to sharing documents, contracts, and all changes you make to your estate planning as they occur.
Does your law firm name itself as a trustee or an executor?
Ensure that the attorney or law firm you choose for your estate planning attorney California does not place their name as an executor or trustee of your estate. This is often considered questionable and, at best, a conflict of interest.
Will anyone else be working on my estate planning?
When hiring an attorney, ask about their law firm and whether or not anyone else will have access to your estate’s details. Knowing whether anyone else will be assisting throughout the estate planning process is also important.
How do you charge for your services?
If you are new to estate planning or preparing ahead of time, you may want to inquire how you will be charged for the legal services and representation you receive. Some attorneys and law firms require a retainer or an upfront fee to take on new clients. In some cases, estate planning is done at an hourly rate, while other estate planning tasks may be completed for a flat rate, depending on the legal team or attorney you retain.
What is your typical fee?
If you do not want to wait to receive a bill, it is best to be upfront with your estate planning attorney regarding their standard fees and hourly rates. In some cases, estate planning may cost as little as $200 (for someone who may not own many assets) to more than $1,000. Remember that most attorneys also charge an hourly rate, depending on the services you request.
How long does estate planning take?
For those who own one to two properties, estate planning might only require a few days to a week. However, those with numerous properties and extensive tax requirements may need more time. In some cases, estate planning can take months, depending on the size of the estate itself.
Common Concerns in Estate Planning
Some of the most notable concerns that clients have when they begin planning for their estate in California include:
Inheritances: How do I manage inheritances I want to enforce with my estate after I am no longer around?
Administration of assets: If you own more than one asset (residential or commercial), you may require ongoing administration of the assets each fiscal year and when it comes to upkeep and maintenance.
Reducing or preventing conflicts: Estates are often the primary source of contention among the loved ones of someone who has recently passed.
Minimizing excessive fees, legal expenses, and taxes: Getting your estate planning in order as quickly as possible can help you to avoid overpaying legal fees, taxes, and high and unnecessary costs for various services.
Wealth preservation: With estate planning, wealth preservation is made possible over decades, if not centuries, when coordinated properly.
The naming of guardians: If you have underage children who will be inheriting your estate (or a portion of your estate) before they reach the age of 18, estate planning can help to secure their future.
Working with an estate attorney from Filippi Law Firm P.C. is a way to move forward with your estate planning while keeping inheritances, loved ones, and your will in mind throughout the process.
If you currently reside in the state of California and need an estate plan of your own, get in touch with Filippi Law Firm P.C. We can help in planning for estate needs from start to finish with an estate attorney who is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about the estate planning services we can assist you with today.
