Estate Planning...Or those things that people don't want to talk about:
It's been said that that only abour four out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a will. It's not surprising that most of us take more time in a year planning our vacations than estate planning. Yet to ensure your wishes are carried out and reduce the risk of family nmembers fighting over their inheritance, you need a will and most attorneys will tell you a family trust is even better.
An Overview
Who will inherit your property when you die? What kind of medical treatments will you want to receive - or avoid - if you become critically ill? Thinking about these questions - before illness or death - is what estate planning is all about.
Planning your own estate means:
Talk with your family members now to decide how to handle your financial and medical issues if you become 
incapable or need help making your own decisions.
Work with an attorney now. Draw up a will and/or establish your living trust that will distribute your property and possessions according to your wishes.
To be successful in your planning, it´s important that you carefully understand your options. This is not a do-it-yourself project and forget about the "trust mills" this is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Be sure to consult with the appropriate experts.
--If you´re in California and would like a referral, let us know.
Click here to view a probate glossary: