Seasons Estate Planning, APC

Most of life’s big decisions are governed by the law. Whether you’re getting married, planning for your family’s future, managing your business, or buying or selling your home, your choices will be limited by local, state and federal law. You need to find a law firm that you trust. A firm that helps you feel comfortable with your decisions and guides you to conclusions that are in the best interests of you and your family.

We want to build long-term relationships — we strive to be that trusted source that you return to and rely on for legal security. We do that by helping individuals and families navigate through appropriate estate and tax planning. guidance in the purchase and sale of their homes, protection of their ideas and business interests, and efficient transition of their valuable assets from generation to generation.

Call us today to speak to reputable a Estate Planning Lawyers with years of experience in Legal solutions.

Change your strategy. Partner with Seasons Estate Planning, APC today.

FAQ

General Estate Planning Questions
What is estate planning?

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the transfer of your assets (to your beneficiaries) in the event of your death. Estate planning typically attempts to avoid probate, maximize the value of the estate, and reduce taxes and other expenses. Traditional estate planning documents include wills, trusts, guardian nominations (for minor children), powers of attorney, specific final instructions, business succession instructions, and more.

If I become disabled, who deals with my finances?

If you become disabled and lose the capacity to deal with your finances yourself, someone will have to establish a guardianship over your finances. Doing so is expensive. If you have prepared a living trust or a financial power of attorney, a guardianship is not needed and the person you have designated will handle your finances.

What is probate?

Probate is a court process used to transfer assets (not held in a trust) of a deceased person to their heirs. After your death someone will have to petition the court to open probate so your assets can be transferred. If you have a will, the probate court will generally distribute assets in accordance with your wishes. If you do not have a will, the court will decide how to distribute your assets.

What happens if I die without an estate plan?

If you pass away without an estate plan in place, California law will dictate how your property is distributed. You will have given up your right to determine how you want your assets divided, who you want to inherit them, when you want children to have control of their inheritance, and even who will receive custody of minor children. Your loved ones will have to go through this very public, oftentimes prolonged and expensive process at the same time they are grieving your death.

If you want your family to know your love, get your estate planning handled. It’s not just for the rich. In fact, it has less to do with money and more to do with what really matters.

Can’t my spouse just take over my financial matters?

Your spouse is able to manage joint accounts only. He or she cannot sign on your behalf for financial accounts under your name alone unless you have prepared a living trust or a financial power of attorney naming your spouse as the person who will handle your personal financial matters.

Why do I want to avoid probate?

All assets passing through probate court become a matter of public record, and as such, vulnerable to creditors, predators, and opportunists. Also, probate can be expensive, ultimately diminishing the overall value of your estate by a substantial margin. The probate process is generally the last thing family members want to endure after losing a loved one. Probate makes a hard time that much harder.

Client Testimonial

My husband and I had been putting off completing a will and getting everything in order should the worst happen —- as in we die and our children are left without us. It was just overwhelming and we couldn’t decide on where or who would care for our children. This year we finally decided that we HAD to be responsible and do this dreaded task.

Kristen is the perfect combination of patient, firm and inspiring as she walked us through her own story on why she chose to HELP people plan for what would most likely be described as the worst time in their life. She carries empathy and listens to you as you work through the process.

This is not an easy undertaking and you MUST find the right person —- trustworthy, detail oriented and efficient. Kristen checked all those boxes. She brought thought provoking questions to my husband and I and walked us through scenarios that we had never though of before.

The other night I saw an advertisement for a cheap solution that you do yourself for your estate planning —- I am so glad that we didn’t go that route —– we would never have covered all the things that we did with Kristen.

I highly recommend Kristen Wong and her wonderful business! Good luck on your planning journey and know that you’re working with the best!

— Louise B., Yelp

To read more reviews from our happy clients, visit our Testimonials page here.