Estate Planning is not just for the wealthy. Just about everyone needs estate planning in some form or another. Nevertheless, so many people express wishes verbally to their families, but don’t follow through with the proper planning necessary to carry on family values, keep the peace in their families and provide financial security for their loved ones after they are gone.

Estate planning is so much more than just leaving stuff to people. It’s about protecting the people that we love.

We help our clients plan for the unexpected in life. We understand you want peace of mind in knowing that you minor children will be raised by those you choose and that your children will not inherit too much money too soon. We have all seen the devastating consequences of improper or no planning.

If you have a will, you will go through Probate. If you don’t have a will, the court will appoint your heirs, which may not be who you want.

• The average time in Probate Court is 12-18 months, and is quite often much longer. Typically, your assets are frozen during that time and unavailable to your heirs.
• The fees can consume up to 10% of the total GROSS estate (not net).
• Probate records are public records – anyone may find out about your private affairs.
• Also, instead of agreeably passing your assets, it actually invites contest and can divide your family.

Most people we talk with understand this, and it is something that they are just not willing to make their children go through.

Estate planning also means peace of mind

Knowing you have properly prepared and planned your estate will give you and your family peace of mind. Planning your estate is one of the most thoughtful and considerate things you can do for yourself and for those you love.

One way is to utilize a Living Trust.

Many people ask, “Why should I have a Living Trust?” As you will see, there are several reasons why a Living Trust may be essential to estate planning. A Living Trust eliminates the need for your heirs or surviving spouse to be subjected to the agony and unnecessary cost of probate; a Living Trust provides the entity to ensure that you either pay no estate and inheritance taxes or at least minimize those onerous taxes. In addition, a Living Trust establishes the means to provide for your needs in the event that you become incompetent; it provides the entity for the support and education of your minor children; it creates the vehicle to indirectly care for a handicapped child without jeopardizing his or her government benefits; and a Living Trust assures what all people want - privacy of their financial affairs.

You may think your heirs have been well provided for, but did you know that:

• Your loved ones may have to wait more than two years before receiving a penny from your estate - even though you have left a legally valid will?
• Costs of probating your will may eat up as much as 10 percent of your gross estate - money your heirs will never receive?
• The specific instructions of your bequest may be contested or changed completely - even though it may be clearly spelled out in your will?
• A will cannot help you in life. If you become incapacitated or your judgment comes into question, it becomes a matter for the courts to decide and it is a very public process?

A Living Trust is a simple, relatively inexpensive legal alternative that eliminates the costs and delays of probate and ensures that your loved ones will receive their inheritance promptly and exactly as you intended.

A living trust may not be the best planning for everyone. Take the time to sit down and review your needs with us to answer questions and determine the best fit for your needs and wishes.

If I Decide That A Living Trust May Be Right For Me, How Should I Go About Setting One Up?

Give us call for a free consultation at (310) 461-8400

We work with an attorney and the experienced document processing of the Estate Planning Source, LLC to ensure that you are working with those knowledgeable and experienced in probate, estate planning and tax matters.