Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I Need an Attorney for Estate Planning? The greatest misconception about estate planning is that only the rich plan for their estate. In fact, you may already know from personal experience that for anyone who owns a home, has children or simply has assets over $166,250, if you do not create a plan for your family and property, the State of California has created a plan for you. If you are interested in protecting your family and your hard-earned assets, rest easier knowing I am ready to help you establish your estate plan which honors your wishes and sets forth your decisions. Don't leave the decisions up to someone else.
What is the Process for Setting Up an Estate Plan? The hardest part of estate planning is thinking about what you would do if you were disabled or planning for your death. If you know generally what you would want to have happen (and NOT have happen!) in the event of your disability or death, you are ready to plan your estate. In usually three (sometimes two) meetings: the initial consultation, the design meeting and the document execution meeting, you can have a complete estate plan that will address all your concerns and needs. An estate plan is an extension of the person who creates it. Thus, no two plans are alike. My job is to navigate you through the applicable legal principles so you understand and feel good about the plan you designed. More questions? Ask me.
Why do I Need an Attorney for a Probate Proceeding? The passing of a loved one is hard enough. Choosing the right attorney to help you though the probate process will make it easier for you and your family to efficiently complete the probate process. The probate process can require a certain level of legal expertise that only an attorney can provide. Hiring a reputable attorney ensures that your family will get through the process in the most efficient way possible. Did you know that the California Probate Code sets forth a statutory fee for the amount an attorney can charge to assist a client with the probate process?
Why do I Need an Attorney for Trust Administration? After the death of a person who has created a trust, a trust administration is the process of distributing that person's estate outside of the probate court. The process can be simple, complicated or anything in between. A trustee has a fiduciary duty to carry out the intentions of the person who created the trust. The beneficiaries of a trust have a right to stay informed about the trust administration. The Law Office of Claudia Choy can make sure your rights are protected and your obligations fulfilled.
What about my pets? In California, a trust can be created to provide for one’s pets when the pet owner dies or is incapacitated. Through a properly drafted pet trust, pet owners can:
1. Name their pets as the beneficiaries of their will or trust
2. Appoint pet caretakers for the daily needs and welfare of their pets
3. Appoint trustees who will manage the money set aside for their pets
4. Appoint someone to enforce the trust to ensure that the trust’s terms are honored
Under the California pet trust law, beneficiaries who would inherit after a pet dies and certain qualified animal organizations can compel pet inspections to evaluate how the pet is being cared for.
For many pet owners, their pets are family members that necessarily require proper planning, too. To discuss how thoughtful planning can help protect your pets and ensure their safe and uninterrupted care in the event of death or incapacity, contact my office today: 415.518.5900 or email me your questions.
What is the Process for Setting Up an Estate Plan? The hardest part of estate planning is thinking about what you would do if you were disabled or planning for your death. If you know generally what you would want to have happen (and NOT have happen!) in the event of your disability or death, you are ready to plan your estate. In usually three (sometimes two) meetings: the initial consultation, the design meeting and the document execution meeting, you can have a complete estate plan that will address all your concerns and needs. An estate plan is an extension of the person who creates it. Thus, no two plans are alike. My job is to navigate you through the applicable legal principles so you understand and feel good about the plan you designed. More questions? Ask me.
Why do I Need an Attorney for a Probate Proceeding? The passing of a loved one is hard enough. Choosing the right attorney to help you though the probate process will make it easier for you and your family to efficiently complete the probate process. The probate process can require a certain level of legal expertise that only an attorney can provide. Hiring a reputable attorney ensures that your family will get through the process in the most efficient way possible. Did you know that the California Probate Code sets forth a statutory fee for the amount an attorney can charge to assist a client with the probate process?
Why do I Need an Attorney for Trust Administration? After the death of a person who has created a trust, a trust administration is the process of distributing that person's estate outside of the probate court. The process can be simple, complicated or anything in between. A trustee has a fiduciary duty to carry out the intentions of the person who created the trust. The beneficiaries of a trust have a right to stay informed about the trust administration. The Law Office of Claudia Choy can make sure your rights are protected and your obligations fulfilled.
What about my pets? In California, a trust can be created to provide for one’s pets when the pet owner dies or is incapacitated. Through a properly drafted pet trust, pet owners can:
1. Name their pets as the beneficiaries of their will or trust
2. Appoint pet caretakers for the daily needs and welfare of their pets
3. Appoint trustees who will manage the money set aside for their pets
4. Appoint someone to enforce the trust to ensure that the trust’s terms are honored
Under the California pet trust law, beneficiaries who would inherit after a pet dies and certain qualified animal organizations can compel pet inspections to evaluate how the pet is being cared for.
For many pet owners, their pets are family members that necessarily require proper planning, too. To discuss how thoughtful planning can help protect your pets and ensure their safe and uninterrupted care in the event of death or incapacity, contact my office today: 415.518.5900 or email me your questions.
This is my rescue chiweenie, Kona, age 10.
