Roseville Will Attorneys

Creating Comprehensive Wills That Suit Our Clients’ Needs

Around 67% of Americans die without a will every year. That means 67% of Americans pass away without leaving instructions for how they would like their wealth distributed to their family and loved ones. This may be because many people don’t think their estate is worth enough to dictate how it should be passed on. Others may keep pushing it off, something to worry about later, but eventually, there isn’t a later.

If you own a home or piece of property, have a savings or retirement account, or have personal items you would like to leave to specific people, then it is time to start planning for your family’s future. Estate planning is for everyone, and if you don’t know where to start, the safest bet is usually drafting your will.

The Law Offices of Daniel A. Hunt is here to help you get started on the estate planning process. Our estate planning lawyers are ready to offer guidance to Roseville residents looking to ensure their estate is passed on in the way they intend.

What Makes a Will Valid in California?

While planning estate administration and drafting your will, it is important to ensure your will is legally sound in California. For a will to be valid, the following must be true:

• The testator, or person creating the will, must be at least 18 years old
• The will must be created voluntarily, without coercion or undue influence
• The testator must be of sound mind while drafting the will
• The will must be in writing, either handwritten or typed
• A typed will must:
  • Be signed by the testator
  • Must be signed by at least two witnesses present at the same time, watching either the signing or the testator’s acknowledgment
• A written, or holographic, will must:
  • Be entirely in the testator’s handwriting
  • Witnesses are not required, but the will must clearly show intent to distribute property

Covering your bases with these points will ensure your best interests are covered and your final wishes are heard. With our assistance and the variety of legal services we offer, we can ensure your estate planning needs are met, protect your family, and ensure a smooth probate process, getting your assets to your family as soon as possible.

Is a Will All You Need?

While a will is a great start, it should be the end of your estate planning. A comprehensive estate plan should include:

• Advance health care directives
• Revocable living trust
• Durable power of attorney
• Business succession plans

And your circumstances may benefit from even more planning tools.

If you’re not sure where to start but feel like now is the time to start planning, call 916-633-7709 to schedule a free consultation with an estate planning attorney from the Law Offices of Daniel A. Hunt today.

What is Probate and Can It Be Avoided?

Probate is the legal process of administering an estate and eventually closing it after a person dies. Most estates will have to pass through probate, especially when they don’t include estate planning methods that can avoid probate.

One of the most common ways to bypass probate is through a trust. Trusts are created and funded by the grantor or trustor. They assign a trustee, the person who is in charge of trust administration and asset distribution. They can outline when and how assets are distributed to their beneficiaries.

Trusts can avoid probate because the assets they hold are technically removed from the trustor’s estate. Because of this, assets can be distributed much quicker than probate would allow. The process is also private, whereas probate is a part of public records.

Call 916-633-7709 to schedule a free consultation where you can find out what estate planning services could benefit your specific circumstances.