Estate Planning Services in Bakersfield
It can be daunting and, quite frankly, challenging to plan for you or your family’s financial future after death. However, it’s vital that every person has a comprehensive estate plan to ensure their assets are properly distributed and their loved ones pay the least in taxes, legal fees, and court costs after their passing. With very few exceptions limited to small estates valued below $184,500.00, your estate must go through a process known as probate if your comprehensive estate plan does not include a revocable living trust.
If this occurs, the court will appoint an executor or administrator as a personal representative to collect assets, pay debts and expenses, and then distribute the remainder of the estate to beneficiaries with a legal right to inherit. Probate is a complex legal process and, in some cases, can cause extreme tension and stress between family members. These cases can take between 9 months to well over a year to resolve if there is no estate plan established for the deceased.
You may be tempted to set up your estate plan yourself, but there are so many fine details that are easy to miss with estate planning. One mistake or omission could cost your family a fortune and become a burden later on. That is why we highly encourage you to contact the experienced Bakersfield estate planning lawyers at Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys.
The estate planning attorneys at Botti & Morison assist individuals and families in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County set up tailored estate plans. Call today (877) 585-1885 to set up your first consultation free of charge.
Estate Planning Attorney in Bakersfield, Ca
With over 90 years of combined estate planning experience, the lawyers at Botti & Morison have the resources, tools, and in-depth knowledge needed to create a comprehensive estate plan for you or your loved one. Our Bakersfield attorneys have crafted thousands of customized estate plans throughout their careers. They can guide you through every step of the process and inform you of all your legal options.
Chris Botti is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, which puts him in an elite group of attorneys. Less than one-half of one percent of attorneys in California are certified as a specialist in Estate Planning. Specialists are attorneys who go beyond the standard licensing requirements to acquire their certification. In order to achieve this, the attorney must fulfill rigorous requirements and exhibit excellence in their field.
If you’re ready to begin your estate plan, modify it, finalize it, administer one’s estate or trust, litigate a trust or probate dispute, or even just find out if your plan is comprehensive enough, contact the attorneys at Botti & Morison. You can set up your first consultation with a Bakersfield estate planning attorney by calling our number at (877) 585-1885 or by requesting a consultation online.
Information Center
What is an Estate Plan?
In simplest terms, estate planning is essentially forming a plan for the future in the event you are deceased or become too incapacitated to make critical decisions regarding your finances or healthcare. Everyone needs an estate plan, and it’s particularly important if you or your loved one is well off financially or has multiple assets they’d like to pass on. Through an estate plan, you can be confident your property, savings, vehicle, and any other assets are distributed according to your wishes.
There are many benefits to creating a comprehensive estate plan for you or a family member. Some of these include:
- Ensure your family is taken care of in the event of your death
- All assets will be distributed to the proper beneficiaries with no intervention from the courts with the use of a revocable living trust.
- Prevent family discord
- Minimize expenses and taxes
- Ease the burdens of your family while they are grieving
- Support a local cause or charitable organization if you choose to
- Have a plan for incapacity so your financial and healthcare decisions can be made by the people that you choose without the need for probate court intervention
- Reduce the taxes that take place on the estate
- Name a guardian for any minor children you may have
- Provide for family members or loved ones with special needs or circumstances
- Have a succession plan for your business
Why is it important to have an Estate Plan?
Although it’s difficult to think about, life is unexpected and sudden death or incapacity to you or a loved one can happen at any time. It’s common for family members and loved ones of the deceased or incapacitated to be struggling with grief because of the event. The family unit may even be destabilized due to it, but despite the heartache difficult decisions must be made during this time. The deceased person’s assets must be distributed, and all their estate affairs must be settled, but without an estate plan this can be extremely challenging.
If you don’t have an estate plan, your estate will be handled by probate court. Meaning your assets will be distributed according to State intestacy laws, which usually prioritizes spouses, children, and parents. Plus, if you don’t have a will or trust established, then disputes may occur between your family members. Depending on how contentious these disputes are, the probate process can take months and in some cases over a year to complete.
If you have a comprehensive estate plan in place, then you and your loved ones can avoid any unnecessary fighting and costs. It will also ensure your assets and wealth are protected and distributed according to your wishes.
What Estate Planning Documents Are Needed in Bakersfield, Ca?
The estate planning process does require you to complete a variety of paperwork. The number of documents you’ll need to complete will depend on the number of assets you own and other factors. For any size estate, it’s recommended you fill out the following:
Last Will
A legal document that takes effect upon death and is vital to ensuring your assets are properly distributed. It also names guardians for your minor children if you have any. It’s important to understand that property passing through a will triggers a probate unless your estate is valued at less than $184,500. It can be used in addition to a living trust.
Living Trust
Virtually all estate planning experts would recommend setting up a living trust if your estate is valued in excess of $184,500. You can avoid probate court with a living trust and thereby avoid expense, delay, and the public nature of the proceedings. It also allows you to avoid the need of conservatorship in the event you become incompetent or incapacitated.
Advance Health Care Directive
One of the most important documents in your estate planning arsenal, an Advanced Health Care Directive is used to clearly state your wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatment. The document addresses hard questions like what family members should do regarding your health care if you’re put on artificial life support. This is very necessary because if you do not have one set up your family members will have to go through the cost and frustration of going through probate court and appointing a conservator.
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
With this document, you’re able designate someone as your agent or attorney to make financial decisions on your behalf. The document essentially gives the attorney/agent the power to sign your name without petitioning probate court to have them appointed as your financial conservator.
Other important documents that may make up your estate plan include:
Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys, Ltd.
Bakersfield Office
Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys in Bakersfield is a proud member of the community we serve as evidenced by our A+ record with the Better Business Bureau. We are proud of our success and look forward to continuing our relationships with the Bakersfield community. Botti & Morison is here to help you and your family establish the peace of mind that comes with a customized estate plan.
Address
4900 California Ave.
Tower B, Suite 210B
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone
Direct: (661) 326-1255
Toll-Free: (877) 585-1885
Hours
Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Kern County
If you’re seeking advice from a qualified Bakersfield estate planning attorney, look no further than Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys, Ltd. With over 90 years of combined estate planning experience, our attorneys have the skills, resources, and knowledge needed to assist you in any estate, trust, and/or probate issue.
Contact a Bakersfield estate planning lawyer today and learn how you can protect your assets/wealth upon death or possible incapacitation. Call (877) 585-1885 or submit an online contact form to set up your first consultation.
