Fullerton Attorney Crafting Estate Plans That Last

Creating an effective estate plan is one of the best ways to ensure your assets and your loved ones are protected in the future. Whether you are just starting to think about an estate plan or are worried that you’ve put it off for too long, we invite you to meet with us to discuss your ideas.

At The Law Office of John J. Stanton, we have helped countless people, all of whom are at different stages in their lives in Fullerton, California. We can help you find peace of mind through an estate plan that accomplishes your goals.

Finding The Right Tools For You

There are many different tools that can be used to create an estate plan that accomplishes your goals. With more than 30 years of experience, attorney John Stanton can help you create an estate plan that works best for you, based on your assets and your goals. Some of the estate planning tools we may consider for you are:

• Wills: A will is a standard component of most estate plans but can play different roles depending on your needs.

• Trusts: Trusts can prevent the necessity of probating your assets through the court and possibly avoid estate taxes.

• Powers of Attorney: Establishing a financial durable power of attorney and an advance health care directive will ensure you are protected should you no longer be able to make decisions on your own.

• Business Succession Planning: Planning for the transfer of a family business ensures its continuity and maximizes its value, protecting both the legacy and the financial interests of your heirs.

Giving You The Confidence That Your Plan Will Work

We use our knowledge and experience to craft a comprehensive estate plan that addresses all of your needs. We also pride ourselves on the guidance we have given the families of our clients who have passed. When your estate plan is complete, we will advise you on transferring your assets to the trust and transfer your real property to the trust. We will provide you with further instructions on how to address future assets you may acquire. We remain available to our clients for follow-up calls and assistance.

Of course, major life events like divorce or the birth of a child or grandchild can necessitate a more substantial update to your estate planning documents. In those cases, we will gladly update your plan to fit your current situation.

Common Questions About Estate Planning In California

Our clients often have similar concerns when they begin the estate planning process. Below are answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive about estate planning in Fullerton, California.

Can a California will help me avoid probate?

Generally, a will alone does not help you avoid probate in California. In most cases, a will must go through the probate process before your executor can distribute assets to your beneficiaries. Probate can be time-consuming and expensive, often taking a year or more to complete.

If avoiding probate is important to you, a revocable living trust may offer a better solution. When you place assets in a trust, they typically pass directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. Many people use both a will and a trust in their estate plan. The specific approach that works best depends on your individual circumstances. We can review your situation and help you understand which options make sense for your goals.

How often should I review and update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan every three to five years at minimum. However, certain life events require immediate attention to your plan. These triggering events include marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children or grandchildren, significant changes in your financial situation, the death of a beneficiary or executor, and major changes to tax laws.

Are my assets protected from creditors if they are placed inside a revocable trust in California?

No, a revocable trust does not protect your assets from creditors. Because you maintain full control over the trust during your lifetime and can revoke or modify it at any time, creditors can still reach those assets to satisfy your debts. The revocable nature of the trust means the law treats the assets as if you still own them directly.

If creditor protection is your primary concern, you may need to explore other options such as irrevocable trusts or other asset protection strategies. However, these options involve giving up control of your assets, which may not align with your goals. We can discuss the tradeoffs and help you determine the best approach for your situation.

Take The First Step Toward Protecting Your Legacy. Call Us Today.

Your family’s future deserves careful planning. Contact The Law Office of John J. Stanton today to schedule your estate planning consultation in Fullerton, California. Call us at CALL or send a message through our online contact form to get started.

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