Riverside Probate Lawyer

Representing Clients Throughout Riverside County

If you are nearing the end of your life, it is crucial for you to have a plan for the distribution of your estate. You may have spent a large portion of your life working hard in order to accumulate wealth for yourself and your family. You may greatly desire to see your hard work go to good use under certain individuals, whether family members or friends.

In order to have your wealth given to your beneficiaries at the time of your death, there are various legal documents and other issues that must be prepared. With the help of a skilled Riverside probate lawyer from Dennis M. Sandoval, a PLC, you can be sure that your plan is effective and that your wishes will be effectively carried out.

We offer help in the following areas:

Probate Process
The California probate process is the process by which a will shall be carried out, and the decedent's estate will be administered. There will be an administrator responsible to pay debts, gather assets, notify beneficiaries, and distribute the estate once the process is complete.

Asset Protection
You may have creditors who will try to receive payment from your estate, this can result in significant assets being seized and turned over to them for payment. In order to protect these assets from seizure, you need to pursue an asset protection plan.

Benefits of Estate Planning
Estate planning is an important tool for most people, regardless if they are wealthy or not. Aside from ensuring that your assets are distributed to who you want, when you want, there are numerous other benefits of estate planning that can maximize your estate.

Distribution of Assets
How a decedent's assets are distributed will depend on a number of factors; for example, whether or not he or she had an estate plan in place. If the decedent failed to establish a will or a trust, their assets will be distributed according to California's laws, which are strictly enforced.

Estate Planning
Estate planning can be accomplished a number of ways, depending on your desires for your assets, and how you want your beneficiaries to receive your wealth. There are a number of various issues that must be addressed in this process, and you need the assistance of a representative.

Estate Administration
After the probate process, your estate must be administered or divided amongst your beneficiaries. This is a tremendous responsibility, and it will require taxes and fees to be paid and an individual whom you trust to carry out your wishes.

Estate Taxes
In 2013, the applicable exclusion amount for an estate is five million dollars. If your estate is worth five million or less, you will not be subject to estate taxing. Any excess of five million will be subject to estate tax.

Probate Administration
Probate administration is the process whereby the court validates a will and appoints an executor or an administrator to settle the decedent's estate. Once the personal representative pays all claims against the estate, what's left is distributed to the rightful beneficiaries according to the will, or without a will, according to state laws.

Probate Avoidance
In California, the probate process can be slow, arduous and costly; therefore, many people wish to plan ahead of time and take the necessary steps to protect their assets from having to go through probate. With effective planning, we can minimize the tax consequences and court costs associated with probate.

Special Needs Dependents
If you are currently responsible for disabled or chronically ill individuals, you need to consider a special needs trust in order to ensure their provision and protection after you pass.

Wills & Trusts
Two elements that are often utilized in an estate plan are a will and a trust. These are separate documents, but they can work together in order to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

Riverside Probate Attorney Provides the Individual Attention You Need

Our staff have been dedicated to serving Riverside, California residents in various estate planning and probate matters for over 30 years combined, and we will put our abilities to work for you. We recognize the various difficulties associated with planning a future for your estate, and we know how to help you effectively accomplish your goals.

Our legal team has a proven track record of effectively helping our clients obtain the results that they desire. Contact us today to schedule your free 1-hour consultation and to begin retaining the assistance that you need.