Why Estate Planning Matters
Think you don’t have enough assets to need an estate plan? Think again. Estate planning isn’t just about wealth - it’s about making sure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is preserved.
A thoughtful estate plan answers some of life’s biggest questions:
- How should I be cared for if I become incapacitated?
- Who will look after my children if something happens to me?
- What happens to my home, savings, or retirement accounts when I’m gone?
Without a plan, these decisions may fall to the courts - not your family.
At Snyder Law, we guide clients of all life stages and family types - from new parents to retirees, blended families to those with special needs children - through customized estate planning solutions. Whether you need a simple will or a multi-generational trust, we’re here with personal, collaborative advice rooted in your values.
Let’s start the conversation.
Why Families Choose Snyder Law
Our Planning Path
- Listen. A relaxed conversation about your goals, family dynamics, and legacy dreams - judgment free.
- Design. We craft a plan that meets today’s needs and anticipates tomorrow’s surprises.
- Keep It Living. Your plan breathes with life changes through free 3 year reviews and unlimited calls. Upgrade or adjust as new chapters unfold.
Because We’re Unlike Most Firms
- No surprise bills. One transparent fee - period.
- Plain English advice. We translate legal code into real talk.
- Local roots, statewide reach. Attorneys from San Diego to San Jose collaborate so your plan travels wherever life takes you.
- Veteran savvy. As part of our community ethos, we understand military benefits and weave that insight into every plan when relevant.
Which Describes You?
Estate Planning for Parents of Minor Children
You don’t need to be wealthy to create a meaningful estate plan - especially if you have young children. For parents, estate planning is less about assets and more about protecting your child’s future if the unexpected happens.
What happens to your children if you and your spouse don’t make it home today?
It’s a heartbreaking thought - but answering that question through a well-crafted estate plan is one of the most important gifts you can give your children.
At Snyder Law, we help parents gain peace of mind by legally documenting their wishes for guardianship and care. If an emergency, incapacity, or death occurs, your children will be raised by the people you trust, with values you believe in.
Planning ahead protects your children - and lets you sleep better knowing their future is secure.
Our estate plans for families with minor children include:
- Temporary Guardian Designations for emergencies
- Permanent Guardian Appointments in case of death or disability
- Confidential Exclusions of individuals you would never want to raise your children
- Child Medical Power of Attorney, so trusted adults can make healthcare decisions if you're unavailable
Let’s start the conversation.
Estate Planning for Single Parents
If you’re a single, divorced, or separated parent with minor children, estate planning is especially critical. Without the right legal protections in place, your child’s care - and your finances - could be left in the hands of someone you wouldn’t choose.
At Snyder Law, we help single parents create estate plans that ensure their children are protected and their wishes are respected. In addition to naming legal guardians, we recommend:
- Living Trust or Testamentary Trust
to control how and when your assets (including life insurance) are used for your children - keeping them safe from misuse by an ex-spouse or other family members. - Durable Power of Attorney
to authorize a trusted person to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. - Advance Health Care Directive
to ensure your medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
With the right plan in place, you can protect your child’s future - no matter what life brings.
Let’s start the conversation.
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Cutting Through the Complexity
Blended families bring together love and new beginnings - but also unique estate planning challenges. Whether you're navigating stepchildren, former spouses, or differing inheritance goals, a standard estate plan may not fully protect everyone you care about.
Our estate plans for blended families address:
- Temporary and Permanent Guardian Designations
to ensure all children - biological and step - are protected according to your wishes. - Exclusion Documentation
for individuals you would not want involved in guardianship or decision-making roles. - Medical Power of Attorney for Children
to empower trusted adults to make healthcare decisions when you're unavailable. - Tailored Inheritance Planning
to provide for your spouse, children, and stepchildren in a way that’s fair and intentional.
Every family is different. We help yours stay connected and protected - now and in the future.
At Snyder Law, we help modern families craft thoughtful, customized plans that reflect your real-life dynamics - not just your legal status. Without the right documents, decisions about guardianship, inheritance, or end-of-life care could fall to someone who doesn’t understand your intentions.
Let’s start the conversation.
Estate Planning for Single Individuals
Your Legacy, Your Way
You may not have children, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have people - or causes - you care deeply about. Whether it's your niece, your favorite nonprofit, or a promise to help a loved one through college, your estate plan ensures your legacy lives on exactly as you intend.
Single individuals without children face some of the highest risks in the event of incapacity or death. Without legal documents in place, the court decides who manages your care and where your assets go - often with no regard to your personal wishes.
At Snyder Law, we help you create a plan that reflects your values, protects your independence, and gives you peace of mind. Key elements include:
- Advance Health Care Directive
to name a trusted person to make medical decisions if you can’t. - Durable Power of Attorney
to manage your finances in case of incapacity. - Beneficiary Designations
to ensure your retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank assets go where you intend - with regular reviews to keep everything up to date.
You’ve worked hard to build a life you’re proud of. Let’s make sure your voice continues to shape it - no matter what comes next.