Protect Your Future Today With A California Estate Planning Attorney

Have you been putting off creating or updating an estate plan? It’s easy to keep it in the back of our minds because the necessity for it seems far off. Life is unpredictable, however, and too many families struggle with decisions when a loved one passes away.

An estate plan can prevent confusion, family disputes and the need to second-guess what your family member wanted. At The Law Offices of Keith F. Simpson in Manhattan Beach, our California estate planning lawyer is here to help your family put together a plan that meets your specific needs so you can avoid these issues. It’s difficult enough when you lose a loved one; you don’t need the added stress of planning a funeral and distributing assets without knowing what they would have wanted. Speak with our caring, knowledgeable attorney today to get started.

Why Do I Need An Estate Plan Now?

One of the misconceptions of estate planning is that you need to be wealthy to create a plan. That is not true. Every adult should have at least a will in place, regardless of the amount of income and assets they have. If you have children, you need to provide for them in the event of your passing by naming legal guardians and possibly by creating trusts for them.

In addition to these issues, you need an estate plan to distribute your assets as you see fit. If you die without a will (intestate), your assets will be distributed according to state law. This may be the very opposite of what you would have wanted.

Key Elements Of Estate Plans

Each plan is customized to a client’s unique needs, but the basics of a plan often include the following:

• A will
• One or more trusts
• Powers of attorney for finances, real estate, businesses and legal issues
• Medical powers of attorney, also called advance directives
• Guardianships for minor children

After we meet with you and review your finances, assets, goals and family situation, we will help you choose what elements will comprise your estate plan.

It Is Easier Than You Think To Get Started On A California Estate Plan

Whether you need to create an estate plan or update an existing one, attorney Keith F. Simpson can help. With his experience as a family law attorney, he knows that life changes over time and that you may have new estate planning needs. He can help you revise some or all of a current plan if you have one.

Contact us today at 310-297-9090 or contact us online to set up an appointment. We serve people throughout Southern California.