Knowledgeable Redlands Estate Planning Lawyers Serving San Bernardino County

Attorneys who know the importance of proper estate planning

You’ve spent your entire life building up your property, and you want to be able to pass those assets on to your loved ones after your death. However, without a solid estate plan, much of your hard work could go to waste. Taxes often take a sizeable piece of the assets from the start, and the probate process can tear families apart. By working with a Redlands estate planning lawyer at James B. Church, P.C., Attorneys at Law, you rest easy that you have a plan in place that keeps you and your loved ones protected in the years to come.

Setting up sound wills

Regardless of your net worth, it’s important to set up a will as part of your estate planning process. A will is a direct expression of your wishes pertaining to the division of your personal property once you pass away. An experienced Wills lawyer in Redlands helps to create solid legal documents that cannot be disputed by heirs or probate attorneys from other firms.

Protecting assets through a trust

Another important document in the estate planning process is a trust, which serves as a financial instrument to manage assets before you pass away. The lawyers at James B. Church, P.C., handle all types of trusts — including living trusts, which allow you to place assets aside during your lifetime that will be transferred to specific heirs after your demise. As long as you are alive, however, you continue to have full access to the funds and property within the trust. You may also choose to set up a special needs trust, which allows disabled heirs to inherit an estate without having to forfeit Social Security or disability benefits.

Creating a durable power of attorney arrangement

Durable power of attorney is a way to give someone authority over your estate that, unlike a normal power of attorney, does not become invalid if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. This allows the person of your choice to manage your assets and your personal care during your old age.

The benefits of working with a skilled estate planning attorney

By working with a trusted estate planning and probate lawyer in San Bernardino County, you can take advantage of everything a solid estate plan has to offer. This includes:

• Clear inheritance directions. A solid estate plan creates a clear and indisputable plan as to which heirs inherit certain assets or pieces of property.
• Protect assets. An estate plan prevents a potential court battle over your assets once you pass away.
• Tax penalties. Sound estate planning allows your heirs to avoid high tax rates on inherited property.

Speak with an experienced estate planning lawyer in San Bernardino

To speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your estate planning needs, contact James B. Church, P.C., online or at 909-283-0659. The firm’s Redlands office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is plenty of parking available onsite.