Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Stockton

FAQs

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

  (209) 937-8377 is the non-emergency phone number of the Stockton Police Department.

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

  Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Records Section of the Stockton Police Department at 22 East Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. Take note that operating hours are Mondays to Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Do note that the Records Section is closed every other Friday. Dial (209) 937-8495 for more details.

• Can your children in Stockton make an estate plan after you get incapacitated or die?

  By then, it will be already too late to make an estate plan after you die or become incapacitated. In this case, the only way to transfer to your children all the things you owned will be through a court process. All estate plan instruments in Stockton can only be legally valid when these were created by the principal persons when they are still alive and mentally capable.

• What can you do if you have serious problems with your estate planning lawyer in Stockton?

  Attorney misconduct can be reported to the State Bar of California by calling 800-843-9053. Disputes on fees can also be reported by calling 415-538-2020. To avoid problems, verify if a lawyer in Stockton is licensed in the state by getting their bar number and checking it on the said website. Always have a proper discussion with an estate planning lawyer before hiring them. If the lawyer's service fees amount to more than a thousand, a contract is needed.

• Are there alternatives to trusts and wills in Stockton?

  There are several alternatives to trusts and wills, and one of these is a living trust. Another one is called the “Payable on Delivery” bank account, which allows funds to be automatically passed to another account in the event of death; this is beneficial in avoiding probate. To address matters that cannot be covered in a trust, a backup can be created in Stockton. Such matters include guardianship of minors and naming beneficiaries of properties that cannot be included in a trust.

• Where is the litigation of estate-related cases in Stockton done?

  The litigation of estate-related cases in Stockton is usually done at the Superior Court of California – San Joaquin Probate Division. The courthouse is situated at 180 E Weber Ave., 4th Floor, Stockton, CA 95202, and its phone number is (209) 992-5694. Appeals of estate-related cases are also heard in the courthouse.

• Can a trust created in Stockton still be valid in other states?

  Yes, trusts created in Stockton and California will generally still be valid in other states. It is recommended, however, to have another lawyer licensed in the specific state to review or update the trust when necessary. This can avoid any potential issues caused by differences in state laws and recent legislation updates.

• 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.