What is Estate Planning

What is estate planning? Estate planning means planning for the management of your estate during your lifetime and the distribution of your estate after your death. Estate planning is a process to make sure your wishes regarding your property are honored and that your family is provided for after you are gone. An estate plan is designed to typically:

• Ensure your estate is distributed to your beneficiaries in the manner you choose.
• Minimize estate taxes and avoid Probate administration of your estate.
• Nominate those persons to act for you if you are not able or after your death.

An estate plan is usually composed of some of the following documents:

• Wills
• Powers of Attorney
  • Advance Health Care Directive
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Property    
• Trust
• Assignment
• An Authorization for Release of Medical and Health Information

Contact our Estate Planning Law Office

For guidance and assistance creating a trust or estate plan, contact our Northern California trust administration lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation.