NorCal: 510-901-5375 | SoCal: 818-658-2174
$3B+
Saved In Estate Taxes
2010
Year Established
38
Years of Combined Experience
600+
5-Star Reviews
Free Consultations: At our firm, we understand that hiring an estate planning attorney is a big decision. We always offer free consultations for prospective clients so we can determine if we are the right fit for you. During our initial consultation, we will review your estate and make suggestions based on our experience and your financial goals.
A History of Results: Since our firm started, our team of attorneys has saved our clients over 3 billion dollars in estate taxes. Money that would have been given to the federal and state governments is now back in the hands of our clients, safe and ready to pass on to beneficiaries.
Consistent Communication: The estate planning process can be confusing, especially if it is your first time creating any of these documents. We are committed to staying in contact with you and answering any questions you may have about the estate planning process. As our client, you will never have to wonder about your estate plan.
Decades of Experience: With over 38 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex estates. We can use advanced estate planning tools to reduce your tax liability and create a comprehensive plan to protect your legacy and preserve your wealth for your family to enjoy.
Personalized Estate Plans: No two estates are exactly alike, which is why our legal strategies aren’t, either. When you become our client, we will review your estate and your financial goals to create a well-rounded estate plan that’s right for you. As your estate changes over the years, we can update your plan to reflect new assets or beneficiaries.
Advice on Your Timeline: At our firm, we understand that everyone is on a different timeline. Whether you are just starting your estate plan from scratch or you want to adjust an existing estate plan, we can give you advice and guide you through the process. Our attorneys are here to help no matter what step you’re on.
With a carefully crafted Estate Plan, not only can your heirs avoid probate court or conservatorship proceedings, but your heirs can gain their inheritance without the stress and costs of going to court. When the grantor of a trust passes away, the trustees administer the trust (a process called “trust administration”) and execute the grantor’s wishes without the interference of a judge or a prolonged court process. You should decide how your estate is distributed; this decision should not be in the hands of a judge in probate court.
Whether you are a high net-worth individual or someone with a simple estate, our team of estate planning attorneys is here to serve you in the California area. We will meet with you to review your financial goals and determine what kind of estate planning documents are right for you. We always aim to protect the legacies of our clients, and we are confident that we have the experience and knowledge to help you, no matter how complex your estate may be.
Don’t leave your assets and your legacy up to chance. By creating an estate plan, you are protecting your family for years to come. Contact The Singh Law Firm for a free consultation by calling us at 510-901-5375. An estate planning lawyer on our team will walk you through our services before creating the right legal strategy for you.
A: Dying without a will is referred to as dying “intestate.” If you die without a will, it is up to the state to decide how to distribute your assets. In most cases, the majority of your estate will go to your surviving spouse, and the rest will be distributed to your descendants equally. If you do not have a surviving spouse or descendants, your estate will be distributed to your next closest living relatives, like parents, grandparents, or cousins. In general, dying without a will is not recommended, as you lose control over how your estate is distributed after death.
A: Your estate is any property that you own at the time of your death. This can include real estate, houses, investment properties, securities, jewelry, motor vehicles, bank accounts, and more. Your estate administration is formed after you die, and it is up to the executor of your estate to distribute these assets according to your wishes. You can dictate how your estate will be divided in a will or trust. If you do not have a will or trust or your instructions are unclear, the state will decide how to distribute your estate to family members.
A: The probate process is done by the court to examine and enforce the will. During the probate process, the executor of the will must file papers with the court to inform them that an individual has passed. Then, the executor will prove the legality of the will and provide documentation of all assets and debts, as well as a list of beneficiaries named in the will. The probate process can take multiple months or even a year, especially for complex estates. The executor must follow all instructions in the will and tie up loose ends in the estate before it can be closed.
A: A living will, also called a healthcare directive, is an estate planning document detailing an individual’s medical wishes. This can include medical treatments they wish to receive, medical treatments they don’t want, and more. In most cases, living wills are used when an individual is incapacitated and can no longer make decisions independently due to illness, injury, or disability. A living will is not the same as a last will, as a last will is only used after an individual passes away. Living wills are only used while an individual is still alive.
A: If you are planning to pass on assets to beneficiaries from your estate, it’s important to think about inheritance tax. Inheritance tax is based on the value of an asset after it is received by a beneficiary, not the total value of the estate itself. Inheritance tax is calculated on a state-by-state basis, and currently, only six states require an inheritance tax to be paid. Because there is no federal inheritance tax, it is unlikely that your beneficiaries will have to pay taxes on their inheritance unless they live in one of those states.
A: Yes, you can use estate planning documents to donate some or all of your estate to charity. In many cases, leaving money to charity will reduce the inheritance tax that must be paid, if applicable. When choosing an organization to donate to, it is essential to pick one that is government-recognized and maintains a charitable organization status. Otherwise, these exemptions may not be applicable. It is also important to note that family members can contest these donations, especially if they are sizeable. Any family disputes can elongate the probate process, leading to assets not being distributed in a timely manner.
A: Power of attorney is a document that gives another person the power to make decisions on your behalf. Depending on the type of document you create, you can give someone the ability to make financial decisions, medical decisions, or both. Power of attorney documents are typically used when a person is incapacitated due to illness or injury and unable to make decisions on their own. They are especially useful for keeping businesses running and liquidating assets to provide for family members who may be struggling financially. Powers of attorney are only applicable when an individual is alive and are no longer viable after the individual has passed.
Get customized and devoted help at every stage of your financial journey. We have helped thousands of clients. As a top estate planning attorney in California, we can help you, too.
Los Angeles
(818) 459-3500
20860 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
The information contained here has been prepared for informational purpose only and not legal advice. The use of this website and the sending or receipt of information does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Singh Law Firm.
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