Lafayette Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Lafayette, CA

In Lafayette, estate planning refers to the procedure of deciding what should be done with one's assets after their death.

Estate planning frequently requires the advice of a legal and/or financial expert, because the issues involved can be complicated, and are regarded by most to be very important. A flawed estate plan might create conflict between your survivors, resulting in your intentions not being given effect.

In the process of estate planning, you'll likely also deal with issues that can affect you during life. These include issues like power of attorney (to ensure that your wishes are carried out even if you're unable to express them), as well as instructions to your doctors and family regarding medical care. A reputable estate planner can also help you achieve your goals, while minimizing the effects of expenses like court fees and taxes.

A reputable Lafayette professional experienced in estate planning can make this procedure a great deal easier. They can also help ensure that your estate plan does not end up in court.

Common Features of Lafayette Estates

Will: Wills are a very important part of almost all estate plans. In simplest terms, it answers the question "who gets what after I die?" Generally, you can leave your property to anyone you wish. If you die without a will, your property will usually be given to your closest living relative (usually a spouse or child).

Living Will: Living wills are also very essential for most people. Essentially, a living will tells everyone concerned (your next of kin, and your doctor) what type of medical care you want if you become incapacitated. It typically includes the circumstances under which a person wishes to be kept on life support, when they want to be taken off of life support, and, sometimes, instructions on when medical staff should and should not attempt resuscitation.

Power of Attorney: This is an arrangement in which you give someone else, usually a trusted family member, the authority to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf, in case you become unable to make or express your own decisions.

Funeral Arrangements: Whatever your preference on this matter (if you have a preference) you should make it known to your family both verbally and in writing. If you have very particular wishes regarding the final disposition of your mortal remains, you should not put those instructions in your will. Or, if you do, you should also put them somewhere else. Wills are typically not read for quite some time after a person dies, and the funeral is usually long over by then, so it will be too late to follow your instructions.

Do I Need a Lafayette Estates Lawyer?

A poorly drafted or executed Lafayette estate plan can have major negative consequences. For instance, it might be confusing to the people who are most directly affected by it. This confusion can often lead to costly litigation. For that reason, the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney can be invaluable.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Lafayette

Lafayette, California is a city in Contra Costa County, and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It currently has a population of about 25,000 people.

Lafayette, California is known for its pastoral hills, and upscale lifestyle. It is also known for a controversial long-term protest. In 2006, residents began placing thousands of crosses on the side of a hill, to memorialize the U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq, and to voice opposition to the war there.

Many successful upper-middle class professionals live in Lafayette, California. These include many accomplished attorneys. A large portion of these attorneys work in San Francisco and other larger cities. The presence of a commuter rail station makes this a very convenient arrangement, attracting attorneys who want the best of both worlds (the excitement and opportunity of a big city, and the quiet solitude of a small town) to Lafayette, California.

If you live in Lafayette, and need an attorney, you're in luck. There are many accomplished and competent attorneys in Lafayette, California who can help you with whatever legal problem you may be facing.

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