Estate Planning Attorney Southern California

Practicing in California since 1980

Estate planning exists not only to protect the wealthy, but also to provide security for any estate, which is simply the total sum of your assets. Assets may include your home, real estate, pensions, investments, annuities, and insurance along with personal property. Estate Planning Attorneys provide vital guidance for effective estate planning, which serves a main dual purpose:

  • Asset protection
  • Distribution of wealth after death

Estate Planning Attorneys provide expertise which can help save tax and administrative expenses, allowing you to pass on your entire estate to heirs, eliminate delays, and provide liquidity to cover costs of the estate.

Will, Trust and Estate Formation

Estate planning may involve the use of various legal instruments, such as:

  • Will – A will specifies how the probate court oversees distribution of assets after death (based on the decedent’s wishes), assigns an executor and may assign guardians for children.
  • Trust –There are numerous types of trusts, which serve different purposes. What all trusts have in common is that one or more persons hold and manage property or assets for beneficiaries. Advantages of a trust may include tax minimization, management and distribution of larger inheritances, trust growth through investment and a stable source of income.
  • Powers of Attorney – A power of attorney is a written document to give an agent the authority to act on behalf of another concerning finances or healthcare. A financial power of attorney specifies which transactions an agent manages, such as stock trades, bank accounts or tax audits. A durable power of attorney is a specific type of power of attorney that assigns an agent to act on behalf of someone who has become incapable of managing his or her own affairs. In addition to overseeing healthcare and finances, the agent for a durable power of attorney may modify living arrangements or assistive care, as needed, for the person with diminished capacity.
  • Living Will - A living will is a document that specifies the life-prolonging medical treatment a person does or does not want when suffering from a terminal illness or condition. Further, a living will may define or prohibit the use of pain medication, feeding tubes or attempts to resuscitate.
  • Health Care Proxy – A health care proxy is a type of advance directive that assigns a person to serve as proxy and make health care decisions on behalf of another.

Complex Estate Planning

Susan K. Holliday, Attorney at Law, also provides expertise as an estate planning attorney in complex estate planning matters, where tax minimization is a key consideration and may involve handling real estate or assets through:

  • Business succession planning
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Charitable foundation or trust
  • Gifting
  • Establishment of a corporation or limited liability company

Probate Administration and Litigation

Susan K. Holliday handles probate administration and litigation for estates of all sizes. Her experience spans nearly three decades, and she travels to courts throughout California to settle estates on behalf of her clients. Personal representatives living in cities statewide and across the nation have contacted her for probate administration or litigation services necessary to settle California estates.

When estates go through probate, our firm manages all legal aspects involved, such as:

  • Proof of validity of the will
  • Identification and inventory or property
  • Property appraisal
  • Payment of debts and taxes
  • Distribution of property according to the will

As a strong litigator, Susan K. Holliday is prepared to go the distance to resolve your estate or probate matters. She represents executors, conservators and trustees in litigation that involves will contests, conflicts regarding trusts and other disputed legal issues.

Arrange a Consultation

Arrange a consultation today to discuss your estate planning or probate matters. Call our Irwindale law firm at (626) 815-4222 or contact us online.

Cities: Azusa, Duarte, Covina, West Covina, Irwindale, Chino, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario and Claremont.