There are few things in life that can be guaranteed with any degree of certainty, but we can say with certainty that each of our lives will one day come to an end. When your life is finally over, will your loved ones have the security that they need to see them through the uncertain times that lie before them? With estate planning, you can provide them with the assurance and assistance they need to deal with the many challenges they’ll face when you are gone. At the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law, we can help you create the effective estate plan you need.
With our California estate planning attorneys on your side, you’ll have access to a full menu of services that can encompass your most critical planning needs. To learn more about these important services and to schedule your free consultation in Campbell, contact us on this site or call (408) 356-9200 in Campbell. Our committed team is always here to answer your questions and help you get the peace of mind and protection you need.
What is Estate Planning?
Most people think of estate planning as a process that is designed to transfer your assets to loved ones when you die, while avoiding or minimizing the amount of taxes that your estate owes to the government. That’s certainly true, but that description explains only a small part of what estate planning is really all about.
Estate planning can be invaluable for ensuring that your family is protected against the type of confusion and frustration that can often lead to inter-family squabbles, expensive court battles, and shattered relationships. By planning today, you can provide a roadmap that prevents those things from happening, and ensure that their inheritances are secure.
Your estate plan should also deal with important end-of-life concerns, as well as asset protection and growth strategies for your personal and business interests. We can work with you to review your current financial situation, evaluate your legacy goals, and create the comprehensive strategy you need to protect yourself, your interests, and your loved ones now and in the future. When you contact us, we can help to answer important questions like:
- The best time to create an estate plan
- The essential components your estate plan should include
- How a California estate planning attorney can benefit your planning efforts
The Best Time to Create an Estate Plan
Fewer than half of all Americans even have a will to secure their estate. Even fewer have more comprehensive estate plans to protect themselves and their families. Obviously, many people either procrastinate with their plans or simply don’t place any priority on protecting their estates in this way. That’s not the path that any of us should take, however. Everyone needs some type of estate plan, and there’s never a better time to create your plan than right now.
After all, your comprehensive estate plan can not only protect your wealth and secure your loved ones’ inheritances, but provides other important protections as well. It can ensure continuity of health care and financial decision-making if you’re ever incapacitated, help you to reduce or eliminate estate taxes, provide a way for you to continue to be charitable even in death, and protect your business and personal assets.
In short, your estate plan isn’t something that should be put off until tomorrow or next year. It’s a vital concern that you need to address today – and our team can help with that process.
What Your Estate Plan Should Include
There are a wide variety of different elements that can be included in any given estate plan. At the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law, we will always review your unique individual needs to ensure that your plan is customized to achieve your important end-of-life and legacy goals. To accomplish that objective, we have a variety of tools and strategies at our disposal:
- A Last Will and Testament. Everyone should have a will in place, to provide instructions for the transfer of assets, name guardians for minor children, and declare other important last wishes.
- Living Trusts may have a place in your plan too – depending upon your asset transfer needs, and other concerns involving asset protection or the care of pets, heirs with special needs, or even charitable organizations.
- Power of Attorney documents provide a powerful way to ensure that you have a designated representative to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the ability to manage your own affairs.
- Advance directives provide vital information about care that you’re willing to receive.
- Business and retirement planning can be critical for ensuring that you have a business succession plan, asset protection, and savings to sustain you when you retire.
- And more!
We will help you assess your needs in each of these areas, and recommend powerful strategies that can help you to achieve your objectives. These tools and strategies serve as important components of your broader estate planning strategy, and together will help you to protect your wealth and secure your family’s interests both in life and beyond.
How Your California Estate Planning Attorney Can Benefit You
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law can provide you with the complete estate planning strategy you need to accomplish all of your most important life and legacy goals. It’s practically never too early to begin your comprehensive estate planning effort, and it’s never too late to create a plan – even if you’ve been putting it off for decades! Just contact us to make an appointment and we’ll help you finally get the protection and peace of mind that you deserve.
We’re proud to serve our friends and neighbors throughout the area, with offices in Campbell, California. If you’re ready to schedule your estate planning consultation in one of our area offices, just contact us using our website today or call (408) 356-9200 in Campbell.
