While the Last Will and Testament is an important estate planning tool, Orange County trust and estates lawyers want clients to be aware that there are certain things it wonāt accomplish. To start, a Last Will and Testament will only come into effect after youāve passed away, which means that it cannot be used to handle any of your financial or medical affairs while youāre alive, no matter what your physical or mental state may be.
A complete estate plan will provide you with the proper protection you need while youāre alive, which is why almost every comprehensive estate plan consists of the following documents, in addition to a Last Will and Testament:
- A Power of Attorney document that names individuals to handle your financial affairs in case you become incapacitated.
- An Advance Healthcare Directive to name an agent or agents to make medical decisions for you if you are unable and also to make your medical wishes known to family and medical staff.
- A HIPAA waiver so that your agents have the legal permission to speak with doctors, nurses, and other treatment providers to get the information necessary to make medical decisions on your behalf
Experienced trust and estates attorneys also warn their clients that there are certain limitations to a Last Will and Testament, even after death. A Last Will and Testament does not allow your estate to avoid the California probate process (if the fair market value of your assets is above $166,250) and cannot protect your estate from severe estate taxes.
Thatās why, depending on the situation, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts can help deal with these issues (Not clear on the difference, then watch this quick video discussing the Difference Between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust). Assets that are owned by a trust do not have to go through the probate process, which saves your loved ones time and money and protects the privacy of your estate. You may also set terms and conditions on the inheritances you leave your family and create “safety-nets” for them, especially if you are bequeathing assets to minors under 18 or, in some cases, adults under 25. Certain trusts can also help to reduce the estate taxes you may owe to the federal or state government.
If you have any questions about setting up a comprehensive estate plan with a Last Will and Testament, Trust, Living Will, and Power of Attorney ā or if you already have an estate plan but would like to have it reviewed ā please contact our office at (949) 333-3702 or use the link below to schedule an appointment with one of our Orange County trust and estates lawyers.
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Kevin Snyder is a husband, father, and an Orange County estate planning attorney and elder law attorney at Snyder Law, PC in Irvine, California. He’s all about family and passionate about estate planning, elder law, and veterans. He founded Snyder Law to help people be prepared and have the peace of mind they are protecting their families and aging parents for when life happens.