Encinitas Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning is the process of putting certain documents in place to either manage a person’s affairs during their lifetime if they are no longer able to do it or once they pass away.

Regardless of the amount of wealth you have accumulated in your life; estate planning is a form of protection for both you and your loved ones that will also preserve your assets as well.

For Encinitas residents, the estate planning attorneys at Jenkins & Jenkins will help to develop a personalized plan to protect your family and your wealth. We go above and beyond for our clients to show that we have the knowledge and experience to earn your trust and provide you with the peace of mind you need and deserve. Whether your estate is modest or expansive, we will ensure that your estate plan is established according to your wishes and that it is legally sound.

Key Aspects of Estate Planning in Encinitas

Every day we speak with clients that have different questions regarding the estate planning process. From what they can expect during the course of putting together an estate plan to different considerations, here are some key aspects that you should always keep in mind as you’re contemplating an estate plan:

Assets Protection:

No matter whether your estate is just beginning or if you have an array of assets in your portfolio, having a detailed and accurate list of everything in your portfolio, and the right plan in place for each them is the best way to protect your assets. From simply ensuring no property falls to the hands of the state, to actively protecting against personal creditors or creditors of your children (including spouses), your estate plan can be arranged to give you and your children valuable asset protection.

Managing Your Encinitas Estate:

Designating a person to administer your estate is a decision that you will need to make. Whether a family member or best friend, this person should be someone that you trust with different important aspects of your life. This person will be known as your “trustee” or “executor” depending on the document that is being used.  Also, you should nominate a person who will serve as your financial and medical agents in the event you cannot make decisions on your own. This person can be the same person that you designate as trustee or executor or someone completely different.

Choosing An Estate Planning Law Firm/Attorney

Finding the best estate planning attorney in Encinitas is a critical step when planning your estate. Working with Jenkins & Jenkins will help you to learn about your estate planning goals so you can create a plan that is customized to your specific needs. This ensures you peace of mind as your estate planning lawyer can assist you in creating a list of “what ifs,” for items you may have not considered, and ensure that your plan will actually work when the time comes.

Estate Planning Documents

The next step in the process of estate planning is creating your documents from draft to reality. Your estate plan is a collection of documents created to put certain things in place if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself or after you’ve passed away. An estate plan can include the following basic documents, and many more.

Last Will & Testament

Your Last Will and Testament designates who will settle your estate and who will receive your assets once you pass away. Our estate planning attorneys in Encinitas will review the details of your will with you so you feel confident in your decisions.

Guardianship over a Minor

If you have children under the age of 18, nominating someone to be your child’s Guardian will be part of the estate planning process.

Living Trusts

Probate in California can be an expensive and time-consuming process and is generally an unnecessary burden of time, money, and headache on your family. After your passing, a Living Trust avoids probate court and distribute your estate according to the trust. This allows your family to deal with your affairs privately and without the need for a Court’s involvement.

Power of Attorney

Choosing a person to make financial decisions on your behalf is known as selecting a Power of Attorney. There are different options that you have when it comes to the details of your power of attorney. For instance, this is a document that can take effect immediately or it is something that can come into play if you can no longer manage your own affairs. Our estate planning attorneys in Encinitas will speak with you more about which option is best for you and your family.

Health Care Directive

This document provides instructions to the doctor and/or your family regarding your medical wishes should something happen to you, and you can no longer make decisions for yourself. You’ll name your chosen medical agent, give guidance on what choices you would like made, and ensure your agent can see your medical records and speak with your physicians if they are acting on your behalf.

Document signing

Once your documents have been drafted, it’s important to review them for accuracy and make sure your wishes are accurately expressed in the documents. Some will take their time reviewing the documents on their own (with highlighted provisions to really pay attention to), and others will set up a time to review the plan with our estate planning attorneys in Encinitas. Once you approve your documents, we will schedule a meeting for you to sign and notarize everything together.

How Our Encinitas Estate Planning Attorneys are Different

You can always count on our estate planning attorneys in Encinitas to go above and beyond to ensure that your estate plan meets your standard. Our estate planning attorneys in Encinitas help you to develop a plan which successfully accomplishes your goals and desires for your estate plan. There is no one-size-fits-all approach but rather we use a foundational approach which helps strategize your goals and ensure they are met. We understand that this can be a stressful and often difficult time if you have never thought about estate planning before. Our estate planning attorneys in Encinitas take the time to guide you through the process in such a way that is easy to understand and provides you with the reassurance that you have made the right decision.

Schedule Your Appointment with Our Estate Planning Attorneys in Encinitas Today

When you’re ready to create an estate plan that will provide for both you and your family with the comfort of knowing that your assets and well-being will be looked after both during your lifetime and after you pass away, the estate planning attorneys at Jenkins & Jenkins, Estate Planning Attorneys are here to provide you with the guidance that you need. We provide only the most personalized service and attention to our Encinitas clients.

Contact us today to learn more about our estate planning services and how we can help you achieve your goals by working with us.