Estate planning is the process of deciding what happens to an individual’s assets and debts after death. While some people equate estate planning with being wealthy, almost everyone should have a plan regardless of their financial status. With the help of an experienced San Jose estate planner, every part of an individual’s life can be accounted for: cars, houses, life insurance, personal belongings, stocks, childcare, charities, and more. Every situation is different, making it crucial that a professional is used to properly plan for anything that might come up after an individual has passed.
Estate Planning – What does it Include in San Jose?
Most people believe that estate planning only involves creating a Will – however, they would be wrong. A lot goes into estate planning in order to prepare for everything that comes after a family member’s death, which is why we often recommend planning alongside the family during this time. For example, in the case that you are incapacitated, without an Advance Health Care Directive, there would be no one to make any of your healthcare decisions for you. Additionally, granting a General Durable Power of Attorney gives authority to someone you trust for your financial and property decisions (regardless of whether you become incapacitated or not).
While estate planning can seem tedious, it can go by much quicker and smoother with a trained professional helping you along. Creating Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and more are much easier to draft and comprehend when an experienced attorney is able to explain the merits and benefits of each one for your unique situation. In order to have your assets assigned to the right people without question after you have passed, hiring an estate planner in San Jose is a no-brainer. When you are ready for a free consultation, give us a call today!
What is Estate Planning?
Commonly Asked Questions Estate Planning:
Why should I start estate planning if I’m single?
Just because you aren’t married doesn’t mean you don’t have just as many things to consider as a couple would. You should still consider who you want your possessions, vehicles, and home in San Jose to transfer to after you pass, not to mention who will have Durable Power of Attorney if you become incapacitated.
My child is a minor – what happens to him/her when I pass?
Utilizing a Trust and Will are a combined way to designate who gains Guardianship over your child if you are unable to care for them. It is completely up to you who you nominate, as well as whether or not you would like to set up an inheritance fund for them to utilize once they reach a certain age.
How can I make sure my money goes to my charity when I die?
You have the control to decide what happens to your finances after you pass. If you would like to designate a certain amount or divide up the entirety of your money between charities, you can do so at your discretion.
Don’t wait any longer!
To receive your free initial consultation:
Call 800-JIM-WARD (800-546-9273)
We Respect the Needs of Our Clients
Questions that are easily answered by one couple may present such a huge obstacle to another couple that they cannot move forward until they’ve had a few days to think about it. There are cases where the client wants to consult with an adult child, and there are cases in which the parent does not want the adult child to know anything about their situation. There are also those cases where the parents have substantial wealth that they have accumulated, and they do not want their children to be aware of the extent of that wealth until after both parents pass. Every case is different.
This is an extremely personal area of the law. Each person and each family has their own story, issues, values, and wishes for their family and intended beneficiaries. Planning for financial management and health care during incapacity varies from person to person. We respect that and counsel people on how we can help them achieve their goals for themselves and for their heirs in the best possible manner.
Mr. Ward takes the time to know each client personally and develop an understanding of their wishes. Our office generally will not charge for initial consultations, and we can often provide basic guidance to clients with a simple phone call. We invite you to contact us to see if there is something we can help you with.