Ojai Estate Planning Attorney
Helping You Prepare for Your Future & the Future of Your Family
It’s important that everyone has a plan in place that protects their heirs, loved ones, and assets in the event that they become incapacitated or die. Establishing a solid estate plan can help you ensure that your loved ones are able to avoid probate and obtain the peace of mind in knowing that your estate will be handled according to your wishes.
Creating an estate plan is not necessarily difficult, but there are many steps involved. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced estate planning attorney in Ojai who can walk you through the process and ensure that your estate plan is legally sound. At Ryan Blatz Law, I assist clients with all aspects of estate planning. No matter your unique needs, I can answer your questions and help you clearly understand the process. I’m here to serve as your guide and to provide you with honest, straightforward legal counsel.
Call my firm at (805) 798-2249 or fill out an online contact form to get started with a free consultation today.
Do You Need a Will?
A will, also known as a last will and testament, is an important document for anyone with any assets. No matter how large or small your estate, you should consider making a will, as this is the only way to ensure that your assets will be divided according to your wishes. Additionally, a will dictates how your minor children should be cared for if you are no longer able to do so.
Some things that you can do with a will include:
- Designate who you want to leave your property/assets to
- Name a guardian to care for any minor children
- Choose someone to manage assets on behalf of minor beneficiaries
- Assign an executor who will be responsible for overseeing the terms of the will
Though it is not required that you hire an attorney to help you set up a will, it is a good idea to seek legal counsel from a qualified lawyer. There are certain measures you must take to ensure that your will is valid, such as signing it in front of two witnesses, and a competent legal professional can help you make sure that everything is done correctly. It’s also wise to enlist the assistance of an Ojai estate planning attorney if you have a more complex situation, such as considerable assets, co-ownership of a small business, or children from multiple marriages/partnerships.
What Happens when Someone Does Not Have a Will?
In California, property is usually transferred to the spouse and/or children of a person who does not have a valid will at the time of death. If no spouse or children exist, assets are typically divided amongst parents, grandparents, or increasingly distant relatives. If a person does not have a will when they die, his or her relatives can make claims to his or her various assets and property. This may result in probate, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Call Ryan Blatz Law to Discuss Your Estate Planning Needs
A will is simply one of the most fundamental aspects of an estate plan. There are many other factors involved, including establishing durable powers of attorney for finances and medical decisions, setting up revocable or irrevocable living trusts, and more. At Ryan Blatz Law, I can help you navigate the process of estate planning. My goal is to serve as your guide, providing personalized advice and one-on-one legal counsel.
Request a complimentary consultation by contacting the firm at (805) 798-2249.
