Wills Lawyer in Elk Grove

Making the Wills Process a Breeze!

At Cava and Faulkner, we understand that the process of creating a will can be daunting. You may have many questions about what you can and cannot include in your will, how to make your will legal, and what happens if you die without a will. Our team of skilled wills lawyers is here to answer all of your questions and help you create a legally binding document that accurately reflects your final wishes.

Many people end up passing away without a proper will in place. This can negatively impact their loved ones, who may have to go through the expensive and time-consuming process of probate in order to gain access to the deceased’s assets. A valid will can make the process of distributing your assets much smoother and easier for your loved ones, so it is important to make sure that yours is up-to-date and reflects your wishes. If you are interested in creating or updating your will, please contact Cava and Faulkner today for assistance.

For a free consultation, call our California estate planning law firm at 916-685-1225 to get started.

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that sets out a person’s wishes for what should happen to their property after they die. It can be a simple document or can be quite complex, depending on the person’s circumstances. One of the most important things to remember when creating a will is to appoint an executor. This is the person who will be responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased and can be a relative, friend, or lawyer.

Another important thing to remember is to make sure your will is up-to-date. Things can change over time, such as relationships and property ownership, so it’s important to review your will regularly and make any necessary changes. If you don’t have a will, or your will is out of date, then your property will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This may not be what you want, so it’s important to take care of your estate planning and have a valid will in place.

Are Wills the Most Important Part of an Estate Plan?

Most people believe that a will is the most important part of an estate plan. However, this isn’t always the case. While a will can be an important tool in estate planning, there are other things to consider as well.

For example, if you have minor children, you’ll want to make sure that they are taken care of in the event of your death. This means having a guardianship plan in place. A will can help with this by appointing a guardian for your children, but it’s not the only thing to consider.

You’ll also want to think about what will happen to your assets after you die. If you have specific wishes for how your assets should be distributed, a will can be very helpful. However, there are other ways to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Trusts, for example, can be used to control how and when your assets are distributed.

In short, a will is just one part of an estate plan. There are other things to consider as well, such as guardianship plans and trusts. If you have specific wishes for how you want your assets to be distributed, you’ll need to make sure that all of your bases are covered. An experienced California estate planning attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs.

What Type Of Will is Right For Me?

There are four types of wills that you can choose from, depending on your needs.

• Simple Will -> This type of will is best for people with few assets and no children. A simple will outlines how you would like your belongings to be distributed after you die.
• Joint Will -> A joint will is created by two people, typically a married couple. This type of will goes into effect when the first person dies, and cannot be changed without the consent of both parties.
• Living Will -> A living will is a document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you are unable to communicate them yourself. This can be used in conjunction with a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
• Testamentary Trust Will -> This type of will is best for people with minor children or special needs. A testamentary trust will allows you to designate a trustee to manage assets on behalf of your beneficiaries.

You should consult with one of our attorneys to determine which type of will is right for you and your family.

The Risks of Not Having a Will in Place

Failing to have a will in place can create significant challenges for your family and loved ones, especially when dealing with the probate process in Sacramento County. Without this critical estate planning document, the distribution of your assets is left to California’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. This means the courts will determine who inherits your estate, potentially causing delays, unnecessary legal expenses, and conflicts among family members.

Without a will, you lose the ability to appoint a trusted person as the executor of your estate. Instead, the court will assign someone to oversee the probate process, which may not be the individual you would have chosen. Additionally, if you have minor children, not having a will means you won’t have a say in naming a guardian for their care, leaving this crucial decision to the courts.

A will provides clarity and guidance for your loved ones during a time of grief. It helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reducing the likelihood of disputes. By creating a will as part of your estate planning documents, you take control of the future, protect your family from unnecessary hardship, and streamline the probate process.

Don’t wait to secure peace of mind for yourself and your family. Cava & Faulkner can help you create a comprehensive will that aligns with your goals and safeguards the people you care about most. Reach out to our team today to begin planning for your future.

How Can a Wills Attorney Help?

If you’re thinking about drafting a will you should speak with an experienced wills attorney. An experienced wills attorney can answer your questions and help ensure that your rights are protected. There are a few things that a wills attorney can do for you:

• Draft or review your will: A big part of what a wills attorney does is help people draft their wills. If you already have a will, a wills attorney can review it to make sure that it’s valid and that it accurately reflects your wishes.
• Update a will: If your circumstances have changed since you last had your will updated, a wills attorney can help you make the necessary changes.
• Help with probate: If you pass away and your will needs to go through probate, a wills attorney can help. They can assist with the paperwork and represent your interests in court.
• Advise on estate planning: A wills attorney can advise you on all aspects of estate planning, including how to best protect your assets and minimize taxes.

If you’re thinking about drafting a will or need to update an existing one, contact our experienced wills lawyers in California today!

Call Our Elk Grove Wills Lawyers Today!

Failing to prepare this essential estate planning document leaves the distribution of your assets up to California’s intestacy laws, often resulting in outcomes that conflict with your wishes. A will gives you the power to decide how your estate will be divided, ensures that your loved ones are cared for, and eliminates unnecessary stress during an already challenging time.

Creating a will also allows you to make meaningful decisions, such as appointing an executor you trust to handle your estate or naming a guardian for your minor children. These proactive steps protect your family from uncertainty and provide them with the direction they need to carry out your final wishes. Not leaving a will allows critical matters to be left to the court, potentially leading to decisions you wouldn’t have chosen.

At Cava & Faulkner, we understand the importance of securing your legacy. Drafting a will ensures that your family’s future remains stable and free from unnecessary legal complications. It also streamlines the probate process, helping your loved ones avoid disputes and delays while focusing on healing.

Don’t let uncertainty define your estate’s future. Take the first step toward peace of mind by creating a legally sound will. Let us guide you through creating a will that reflects your values and safeguards your loved ones for years to come.

To get the estate planning services you need, contact Cava and Faulkner today at 916-685-1225 and get started.