Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Sacramento

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Sacramento, California?

  Non-emergency cases in Sacramento requiring police assistance can be reported at (916) 808-5471.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Sacramento, California?

  The residents of Sacramento may obtain copies of police reports by making a written request and faxing it to (916) 808-0636 or, mailed to the Sacramento Police Department, Attn: Records Report Request, 5770 Freeport Blvd., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95822. In-person requests are also accommodated through the following police offices:

  Police Headquarters – Public Safety Center 5770 Freeport Blvd., Suite 100 Sacramento, Ca 95822

  William J. Kinney Police Facility 3550 Marysville Blvd. Sacramento, Ca 95838

  Processing time for police reports may take three to four weeks.

• What is the average cost of a living trust estate plan in Sacramento?

  Living trust estate plan in Sacramento ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, plus other related costs. The pricing depends on the complexity of the situation and the case. On average, a living trust estate plan costs between $1,500 and $7,000. New attorneys who make estate plans as a side hustle may offer lower fees.

• What are the advantages of having an estate plan in Sacramento?

  Having a thoroughly created estate plan in Sacramento gives you several advantages, such as the distribution of assets to the intended beneficiaries based on your instruction, having a strategy for future incapacity, and probate avoidance. Creating an estate plan as early as will also help you manage current and future taxes.

• Is a lawyer needed when creating an estate plan in Sacramento?

  Making a comprehensive estate plan in Sacramento involves legal requirements, and having a lawyer with you can prevent mistakes, such as incorrect wording. Making simple errors on the estate plan may mean that your instructions after death may not be carried out as you wished, and everything may go through the probate process, which will be costly.

• When is the ideal time to create an estate plan in Sacramento?

  The ideal time to create an estate plan in Sacramento is as soon as possible. Having your estate plan made can offer peace of mind not just for you but for your family as well after your death. You can be certain that your home and other assets will only be given to your beneficiaries and dependents.

• In Sacramento, can children who are of legal age create an estate plan for their parents after their death?

  No. In Sacramento, only the principal person, or in this case, the parent, can make their estate plan while they are alive and in a coherent state. There is no such thing as children making an estate plan for their parents, as it will require their signature, which would be impossible after their death.

• What does an estate planning attorney do?

  An estate consists of the total assets that form an individual’s net worth, no matter how large or small. Estate planning attorneys use their in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws to help people best manage what will happen with their estates after they die or become incapacitated. Estate planning attorneys can prepare wills, form trusts, reduce estate tax burdens, and decrease or eliminate the need for probate court.

• What are valuable estate planning services an attorney can provide?

  With the many intricacies of assets, taxes, and state and federal laws that can affect a person’s estate, an estate planning lawyer can be a valuable professional asset, no matter how large or small a person’s estate may be. An estate planning attorney can:

  • Create a comprehensive plan to protect a client's legacy, that includes a will, power of attorney, trusts, life insurance, and advanced medical directives
  • Optimize an estate plan as tax laws, life events, assets, and goals change over time
  • Protect a client’s loved ones by preventing assets from entering probate
  • Help clients designate a person to make important health decisions for them if they become incapacitated

  
  

• Can estate planning attorneys help create trusts/wills?

  Estate planning attorneys can create trusts and wills. Through a will, an attorney can help a client designate their estate’s beneficiaries and assign an executor to represent the will in probate court. These attorneys can also create trusts, allowing a client to assign a trustee to oversee the estate, potentially avoiding probate court and holding assets to be distributed over time.

• Is estate planning the same as drafting a will?

  While both estate plans and wills officially document how their owners wish to allocate certain assets after their death, there are key differences. In estate planning, a will is often just one of several documents that form a comprehensive plan. In a will, people must designate a person responsible for executing their will after their death. The will can include guardians for their children when they die and beneficiaries to receive an inheritance of money, property, and other assets.

• What are the steps involved in estate planning?

  To create a thorough and effective estate plan, individuals should follow these steps:

  • Prepare a will that designates an estate executor; indicate who will receive what assets, and assign a trust and guardians for any children. Consider using an attorney if the will is in any way complex.
  • To avoid probate, have an attorney create a revocable living trust.
  • Assign beneficiaries to other assets, such as life insurance policies, retirement plans, and securities.
  • Use an attorney to prepare a living will, name a health care proxy, and create a HIPAA release form.
  • Update the plan every five years.

  
  

• How long does the estate planning process last?

  The length of the process can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the estate, the specific law office, and whether there’s an emergency or urgent need. If you’re using an attorney, you can generally expect it to take one to five weeks. You may be able to speed up the process by immediately providing your attorney with any bank statements or other documents they need.

• What is a trust?

  A trust is an agreement between a grantor, a trustee, and a beneficiary. In this agreement, the grantor allocates funds or real property assets to the trustee to be held either until the grantor passes away or until a specific, agreed-upon date. At that point, it's the responsibility of the trustee to distribute funds or property to the beneficiary or beneficiaries. While there are similarities between a will and a trust, a will is a more comprehensive document that typically requires probate court, while a trust allows assets to pass to the beneficiary without probate.

• How does a trust fund work?

  When opening a trust fund, a grantor allocates a trustee to oversee and manage assets in the account. This trustee can sometimes be a relative, an estate lawyer, or a bank that acts as the legal owner of the trust. While holding assets, the trustee is required to file taxes on trust assets.

• How does a living trust work?

  A living trust enables a grantor to manage their assets through a trustee while still alive. They can continually add funds and/or property to their trust fund by transferring them to the trustee, who accepts ownership of everything held in the fund. The grantor can name a beneficiary for their trust, and their assets will be automatically transferred to that person or establishment upon their death.

• Do I need a lawyer for a will?

  No, a lawyer is not required to draft or complete a will. However, there are some scenarios in which hiring an estate lawyer to assist with a will is a good idea, including when children or high-value assets are involved. Additionally, an estate lawyer can help to reduce probate fees and taxes paid by loved ones after a person dies. It's also best to work with a professional to ensure that the will addresses everything necessary, such as funeral plans, guardianship, and asset distribution.

• Can you have both a will and a living trust?

  Yes, and individuals who have a living trust should also have a will. While a living trust enables a person to leave funds and assets to a loved one when they're gone, a will is required to cover any assets that aren't included in the trust, such as guardianship of dependents, funeral plans, and forgiveness of outstanding debts, if applicable.

• How much does it cost to set up a trust?

  The cost of setting up a trust varies quite a bit depending on a variety of factors, including terms that are in place, special provisions for minor beneficiaries, and trustees' basic fees. In most cases, the minimum cost of setting up a trust is about $1,500, but depending on the factors mentioned above, this cost can increase by thousands of dollars.