California Wills and Probate Attorney Protects Your Estate
Preserving your family’s wealth for future generations
Whether you are planning the parameters of your future medical care or you are establishing support for loved ones upon your death, the Law Office of Peter S. Stern can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:
|
|
Securing your legacy
You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort. We thoroughly analyze your estate. We strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.
Draft your living will and your last will and testament
A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your living will sets the parameters for medical intervention if you become incapacitated. This ensures that, when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.
Your last will provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative — such as a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, it is the court that determines how your property is to be distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pets — making decisions that might not reflect your desires.
Law Office of Peter S. Stern can draft valid wills to ensure that your intentions are honored.
Changing your will
As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You might need to update your will throughout your life. We draft valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.
Appointment of guardianship
If you have minor children, your will enables you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or in the event that both parents were to die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, it is the court that will appoint a guardian for your children — and the guardian can make decisions that might be adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets’ care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets.
Contact an established estate-planning law firm — Law Office of Peter S. Stern
For estate-planning services in Palo Alto and throughout the Bay Area, call the Law Office of Peter S. Stern at 650-326-2282.