Estate Planning

Organizations Of Your Choice

Estate Planning is a process that involves people—your family, other individuals and, in many cases, charitable organizations of your choice. It also involves your assets and the various forms of ownership that those assets may take.

Through estate planning, you can determine:

• How and by whom your assets will be managed for your benefit during your lifetime if you ever become unable to manage them yourself.
• When and under what circumstances it makes sense to distribute your assets during your lifetime.
• How and to whom your assets will be distributed after your death.
• How and by whom your personal care will be managed and how health care decisions will be made during your lifetime if you become unable to care for yourself.

Many people mistakenly think that estate planning only involves the writing of a will. Estate planning, however, can also involve financial, tax, medical and business planning. A will is part of the planning process, but you will need other documents as well to fully address all of your estate planning needs.

Truly Guide You In The Right Direction

At Langley Law Firm, we know the right questions to ask before embarking on any form of estate planning. Before we can truly guide you in the right direction, we always ask the following questions:

• What are my assets and what is their approximate value?
• Whom do I want to receive those assets—and when?
• Who should manage those assets if I cannot—either during my lifetime or after my death?
• Who should be responsible for taking care of my minor children if I become unable to care for them myself?
• Who should make decisions on my behalf concerning my care and welfare if I become unable to care for myself?
• What do I want done with my remains after I die and where would I want them buried, scattered or otherwise laid to rest?

Why is Estate Planning so important?

If you fail to plan ahead, a judge can simply appoint someone to handle your assets and personal care. Without planning, your assets will be distributed to your heirs according to a set of rules known as intestate succession. Contrary to popular myth, everything does not automatically go to the state if you die without a will. Your relatives, no matter how remote, and, in some cases, the relatives of your spouse will have priority in inheritance ahead of the state. Still, they may not be your choice of heirs; an estate plan gives you much greater control over who will inherit your assets after your death.

For more information about Estate Planning in Walnut Creek, please use our Contact Us form.