What does an estate planning attorney in Santa Rosa do?

An estate planning attorney in Santa Rosa is one who practices law by advising clients on how to establish a plan to manage their financial affairs while they are living and how to plan for the distribution of the estate should they become disabled or die.

It is very important to take the time to plan and record your wishes so that the people that you care about are taken care of. Estate planning does not begin and end with a last will and testament. A competent lawyer will come up with a plan for mitigating or avoiding estate taxes, draft living trusts and will work to make sure that your assets and life savings are safe. An estate planning attorney can also prepare health care directives and powers of attorney if you should ever become mentally incapacitated.

What Qualities Should You Look For in an Attorney?

• Well-versed and up-to-date with laws – your lawyer should have a full understanding of your state’s property laws. If prepared improperly, the court may deem your final plan invalid.
• Experienced and knowledgeable – a general practitioner might not have the necessary knowledge and experience to help you with your unique financial and family situations.
• Open and communicative – you should feel comfortable speaking to your lawyer about intimate and personal details.

How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?

If you want your estate plan to be created, updated, and maintained by a lawyer who specializes in this field of practice, you should be prepared to pay fair legal fees. Keep in mind that you are paying the attorney for both his time and his expertise. Investing in a reputable, knowledgeable attorney will safeguard your resources so that your wishes are carried out in the manner that you specify. Hiring an experienced attorney can give you significant peace of mind.

If you are looking for a trustworthy estate planning attorney in Santa Rosa, you should get in touch with Johnston & Associates Attorneys at Law at 707-200-1366. This law firm specializes in a number of practice domains, including real estate, estate planning, business, construction, and trust administration.