No one wants to think that they will leave loved ones behind if they pass away. However, it is important to make sure that your family is protected if anything happens to you. If you don't have a will then now is the time to consider it. If you have made a will you may want us to review it for you to make sure it is legally sufficient. If you do not have a will the court system will decide who gets your money and property. Do you want this to happen?

A person does not need to have a large estate to plan and prepare a will. Anyone who owns property, whether "personal property," such as cash, stocks, jewelry or furniture, or "real property," such as land and/or a house, should prepare a will. If married, each spouse should have a will.

A will is a document that contains your wishes as to how your property will be distributed after your death. Any person over age 18 should consider a will regardless of their health or situation. A will expresses your wishes concerning how your property is to be distributed. It is a legal document containing the names of the people you want to give your property to. The people you want to give your property to are called beneficiaries.

When there is no valid will, the person is said to have died "intestate." A court appoints an administrator to handle the decedent's affairs, and his or her property is then distributed according to a formula fixed by law. The laws for distribution of an intestate estate are rigid. After payment of taxes, debts, funeral expenses and administrative costs, the property goes to the surviving spouse, children and/or relatives. The laws are specific as to how property is to be distributed, including which relatives have priority and how the property is divided.

A will is one way to make sure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. A will must be placed into probate court. Probate is the approval or acceptance by the court of how your assets are to be distributed. The court has discretion to grant "probate" which is confirmation that the will is valid and accepted. If a person dies without a will in place then the laws of California will apply.

Our wills should be able protect your family should something happen to you. We can help you with your wills by calling us at (866) TRUST-99 or by filling out our secure contact form for your free consultation.