Call the Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, PC to Set Up a New Estate Plan
It is never too early to start planning for your retirement and beyond. Though it is not always pleasant to think about, Benjamin Franklin was right when he said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to estate planning, a little time spent with a skilled attorney now can help protect your estate from the probate process and ensure your wealth is preserved for generations to come.
Our Westchester estate planning and probate attorney has a decade and a half of experience and is well-versed in estate law. We offer clients customized, compassionate legal representation, from helping you draft legal documents to guiding you through the probate process. When you are ready to begin your estate plan, we are just a phone call away.
To discuss how estate planning can benefit you, call our firm at (424) 383-8445 or reach out to us online. All consultations are confidential.
How a Probate Attorney Can Help You
In Los Angeles County, the probate process often takes well over a year to be resolved. It is also a very costly process. The probate code mandates fees, and typically are a percentage of the estate's gross value. This means that the larger the deceased's estate, the more significant the probate fees are. Most estates are subject to probate, even if there is a valid will on record. The only way to avoid probate is to establish a living trust.
The probate process is also incredibly complicated, and the steps must be followed exactly. If no executor is named, the probate court will appoint an estate administrator. Executors and administrators have significant responsibilities, and failure to fulfill your duties can result in punitive measures.
The probate process involves:
- Filing the probate petition with the court
- Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
- Attending probate hearings
- Working with a probate referee to appraise and inventory the estate
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Filling a final report with the court
Losing a loved one is hard enough. Managing the probate process on top of your grief can be an overwhelming task. You don't have to go through it alone. Working with a skilled probate lawyer, like ours in Westchester, can help relieve your burden and provide you the support you need when issues arise. Attorney Jonsson has spent over 15 years assisting clients in navigating the LA County probate court, and she is prepared to use this experience to help you.
Our Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Estate issues often arise when someone experiences major life events, such as births, marriages, and deaths. You may also find your needs change as minor children become adults, when you acquire or sell property, or if you go through a separation or divorce. Our estate planning lawyer can help you develop a flexible, responsive estate plan adapted to your needs.
We offer a full range of estate planning services, including:
- Advanced health care directives
- Beneficiary rights issues
- Business entity formation
- Cohabitation agreements
- Irrevocable and revocable trusts
- Marital agreements, including prenuptial and postnuptial
- Powers of attorney
- Trust administration and modification
- Wills, including pour-over wills
No matter what life throws at you, you can be prepared for it. As a firm, our goal is to help you preserve and pass on your legacy to your preferred beneficiaries. We can even help you with professional trust administration services. There is no estate planning or probate issue that is too difficult for our highly qualified lawyer.
We Are Here for Our Clients
At the Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, PC, we understand that each family is unique, and every estate plan is different. We take the time to get to know our clients and their family dynamics. This personal approach empowers us to provide estate planning services that make achieving client goals the priority. We know that dealing with estate issues can bring up a lot of unpleasant emotions for people. Our Westchester estate planning and probate lawyer works hard to provide effective legal solutions that reduce conflict and relieve stress.
Get started with establishing an estate plan today. Contact us online or dial us at (424) 383-8445.