Probate & Estate Planning

Comprehensive Probate and Estate Planning Services

Estate Planning Attorneys in Temecula

Understanding Estate Planning

Estate planning is a responsibility that everyone should take seriously, as it has an impact on how your wealth and assets are handled after you pass away. The professionals at Holstrom, Block & Parke, a Professional Law Corporation, in Temecula are well versed in the intricacies of estate planning, and can help you make sure your loved ones are taken care of when you pass.

Every person has a different financial situation—therefore each of our clients requires a unique set of estate planning services and tools. We are happy to deliver those solutions in a friendly, efficient, and understanding way. Call us today for help with any estate planning matter, from a basic living trust to a complex set of asset distributions.

Why Make Plans for Your Estate?

Many clients we meet do not understand why estate planning is so important. The fact is that once you pass away, all of your assets must go to someone. If not dealt with properly, a majority of your hard-earned money will go to the government. This is most common through taxation. Inheritance taxes can be steep, and they are liable to take a large portion of your assets before your loved ones ever see a single penny.

There are many other considerations aside from the financial aspects of estate planning.

People who work with an attorney to plan for their last years are asserting control over how their wealth and healthcare will be handled. Through proper estate planning, you will have the chance to set up advanced directives, a power of attorney, a medical proxy, and any and all living wills and trusts. You may need to select someone for guardianship or conservatorship. These are important decisions that you should never make alone.

Our probate and estate planning law practice includes the following:

What Is Probate & Why Do We Use It?

Probate is the means used by the court to divide and/or disperse a person’s estate after they have passed away. In cases where the person had a legal will in place, probate can be a smooth, clear process with relatively little trouble. These circumstances find the friends, family, and heirs of the deceased meeting with an attorney to receive the assets that were bequeathed to them.

However, if there was no legal will, which is more common than not, the court must get involved. Without written direction from the deceased, the division of assets can turn into a free-for-all with family. This is a sad-but-common situation we see all too often.

Another consideration of the probate court is the payment of debt. Not only will the possible heirs of the benefactor want their share of the estate, but so will the deceased’s creditors. All of the outstanding financial obligations of the deceased must be satisfied before the remaining assets may be distributed to the others.

Our attorneys can negotiate and litigate for fair and beneficial division of your loved one’s estate. We can help honor their last wishes while providing for the people who mattered most to them in life. Our understanding of California law ensures the probate process won’t be prolonged by unnecessary mistakes or from lack of experience.

Additionally, our experience with handling high-conflict cases equips us to represent your interests effectively against family members, debt collectors, and others. These are painful and complex situations–you deserve a chance to grieve and reflect, so let us handle the difficult legal questions common to probate matters.

Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

At Holstrom, Block & Parke, we know how to work through the probate process. Our staff of attorneys are prepared to shoulder this burden, allowing you to grieve while we resolve the complex legal questions of your loved one’s estate.

Call our Temecula estate planning lawyers for your free phone consultation to get started.