SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS

Estate Planning

Southern California attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes can assist you in preparing your estate plan, which may include a will or living trust. Preparing an estate plan is an unselfish act to assist your loved ones regarding your personal property and assets upon your incapacitation or death. Having an attorney to assist you can help you focus on living your life to the fullest in the present, instead of worrying about what will happen to your loved ones if you are no longer present. Contact us for a free consultation regarding your estate plan at (714) 987-2671.

Wills

A will is an instrument used to transfer personal property and other assets and is operative upon death. A person may transfer their separate property in their will. A married person may transfer their one-half of community property that belongs to them in their will. There are certain rules that must be followed in order for a will to be valid. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes can assist you in determining whether a will is appropriate for you.

Revocable Living Trusts

Generally, estates valued over a certain amount without a living trust must pass through probate after a person dies. However, a revocable living trust is a legal arrangement that allows property and assets to pass without having to pass through the probate process. There are many advantages to avoiding probate. One such advantage is increased privacy. Since probate passes through the court system, documents are filed with the court that become public record. Another advantage is saving costs related to hiring a probate attorney and other fees related to probate filings. A revocable living trusts become irrevocable once one dies. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes can assist you in determining whether a revocable living trust is appropriate for you.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal instrument that allows you to nominate another person or entity to make decisions regarding lawful subjects such as your property, finances or other matters upon your incapacitation or death. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes can assist you in preparing your power of attorney.

Healthcare Authorizations

A healthcare authorization is a legal instrument that allows you to nominate another person or entity to access your medical records and/or discuss your healthcare with your healthcare providers upon your incapacitation or death. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes can assist you in preparing your power of attorney.

Guardianship

If you have minor children, a guardianship is a legal instrument used to nominate the guardian of a minor person or estate in the event of the parent’s incapacity or death. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes can assist you in preparing a guardianship for your minor children.

Why Should You Hire Our Firm?

• Our firm has over two decades of legal experience combined
• We have earned an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®
• Scott Hughes was named to the California Super Lawyers® list
• Ranked as a Top Attorney by Los Angeles Magazine in 2012
• We offer a FREE initial consultation

Are you ready to get started on your case? Contact our firm at (714) 987-2671 to arrange your free consultation.