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Estate Planning

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Carlsbad Estate Planning Lawyers

Securing Your Legacy & Protecting Your Loved Ones

Many people believe that estate planning is only for the wealthy or those approaching retirement. In reality, estate planning is a vital responsibility for anyone who wants to have their healthcare wishes respected, their assets protected, and their loved ones provided for without the interference of the court. 

At Lass Law, we simplify the complexities of California probate and tax law to help you create a customized plan that reflects your values and protects your future. 

Discuss your needs and concerns with a Carlsbad estate planning attorney. Call (760) 474-3861 or reach us online for a confidential in-person or virtual consultation. 

Ready to Get Started? How Lass Law Helps

Estate planning can feel daunting and is often pushed to the bottom of the "to-do" list. Our firm removes the friction from the process by providing a clear, supportive path toward peace of mind. 

When you turn to us for estate planning, we help you by:

  • Conducting a comprehensive asset review. We look at your entire financial picture, including real estate, retirement accounts, digital assets, and family heirlooms, to determine the most tax-efficient way to pass them on.
  • Designing personalized strategies. We don't use cookie-cutter templates. We listen to your family dynamics, including the needs of minor children, potential spendthrift issues, and the care of a special-needs relative.
  • Streamlining the drafting process. Leveraging the latest legal technologies and our deep knowledge of California’s probate codes, we create legally sound documents that are clearly written and resistant to future challenges.
  • Providing ongoing maintenance. Life changes, marriages, births, and changes in the law occur. We can serve as your long-term partners; your plan can evolve as your life does. 

Our Experienced Legal Team

Our success is driven by the dedication and talent of our exceptional legal team. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table to meet your needs.

What Is Estate Planning? 

At its core, estate planning is the process of making legal arrangements for the management and distribution of your estate during your lifetime and after your death. However, it is much more than just a set of instructions for "who gets what." It is a comprehensive framework that addresses your financial security, your medical care if you become incapacitated, and the guardianship of your children.

Without a plan, California’s "intestacy" laws will dictate how your property is distributed, and a judge who doesn't know your family will decide who raises your children. Estate planning puts you back in the driver’s seat.

Essential Tools & Documents

A robust estate plan typically involves a combination of the following legal instruments:

Revocable Living Trusts

In California, a trust is the cornerstone of a modern estate plan. It allows your assets to be transferred to your beneficiaries without the time-consuming and expensive process of probate court. Because it is "revocable," you maintain complete control over the assets during your lifetime.

Last Will and Testament

Even with a trust, a 'pour-over will' is essential. It serves as a safety net by capturing any assets not formally titled in your trust and transferring them into the trust upon your death. By doing so, they can be distributed in accordance with your trust's instructions.

It is also the only legal document where you can nominate a guardian for minor children.

Durable Power of Attorney

This document allows you to appoint a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs, paying bills, managing investments, or selling property, if you become unable to do so yourself due to illness or injury.

Advance Healthcare Directive

This tool ensures your medical wishes are known. It allows you to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you and provides specific instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment and end-of-life care.

HIPAA Authorizations

These forms allow your designated representatives to access your medical records so they can make informed decisions based on your actual health status.

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