Estate Planning Attorney in Monterey and Hollister Helps Preserve Your Legacy

Competent counsel for wills and trusts in the Central California area

Setting up the perfect estate plan starts by consulting with an experienced lawyer. Since 1996, Giuliano Law has helped clients throughout Hollister, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties with a variety of estate planning issues. We have a deep understanding of the laws governing wills and trusts in California and can assist you in drafting a comprehensive plan for your estate. Whether you are new to the estate planning process, need help updating an existing will, or require assistance with estate administration, we can provide you with personalized attention every step of the way.

Understanding wills in California

A will is a document that you write that contains instructions about how your estate, assets, and remains should be handled after your death. Having a will is important because it ensures that your last wishes are carried out. Unfortunately, some people fail to recognize the significance of having a will.

If you die in California without a will, your estate and assets may not be distributed in the manner you had intended. In fact, without a will, your wealth and property will be distributed in accordance with the state’s intestate succession laws.

What is probate?

Probate is the process of validating a will in court. During probate, an executor (named in the will), or administrator is appointed to carry out the will and take care of the decedent’s estate affairs. This includes ensuring heirs are notified, handling financial responsibilities of the deceased’s estate, and seeing that the estate is distributed to the rightful heirs.

Depending on the size of your estate, the probate process can be long, confusing, and costly. We can assess your property, goals and assets and determine if avoiding probate is in your best interests.

Using living trusts to transfer assets

If you would like avoid probate but ensure your assets go to your intended beneficiaries after you die, you should consult a knowledgeable lawyer about setting up a living trust. According to the State Bar of California, a living trust:

• Provides the trustee with legal authority to manage and control the assets held in the trust.
• Instructs the trustee to manage the trust’s assets for your benefit during your lifetime.
• Names the beneficiaries who are to receive your trust’s assets upon your death.
• Gives guidance and certain powers to the trustee to manage and distribute your trust’s assets.

Creating a sound estate plan provides peace of mind for you while you are alive, and security for your family in the event of your death. Realizing that the estate planning process can be overwhelming, we handle the legal legwork so you can focus on the future.

Contact an established estate planning law firm in Monterey and Hollister

At Giuliano Law, we have provided trusted estate planning counsel to clients in Hollister, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties for more than 20 years. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer today, call (831) 372-4003 or contact us online.