Real Help With Estate Planning
Attorney Gerald L. Kane provides comprehensive estate planning services to clients in the San Fernando Valley region and throughout the globe.
Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Kane in Encino today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your legal matter and find out more about its legal services: 818-905-6088. Attorney Gerald L. Kane also serves clients globally. Reach out to him by completing the online contact form.
Creating A Plan That Works For You
A professionally drafted estate plan is one that anticipates any contingencies and touches many areas of a person’s life. The estate planning and elder law services at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Kane encompass wills, trusts, powers of attorney and all other critical aspects of planning for the future, including the following:
- Kids protection planning: Appoints family members to have legal authority over your children upon your incapacity or death
- Special needs: Establishes limited conservatorships, special needs trusts and other special needs planning
- Advanced issues: Sets up complex trusts, such as land trusts, personal residence trusts, life insurance trusts and charitable giving trusts
- Asset protection plans: Protect assets of individuals, families and businesses by putting them into a trust, limited partnership, Nevada corporation or Delaware corporation
- Retirement planning: Uses individual retirement account (IRA) trusts, standalone retirement trusts (SRTs) and other tools to guard your retirement assets
- Divorce-related wills: Protects assets from getting into your spouse’s hands during a divorce
- Advance health care directives: Outlines your wishes for end-of-life medical treatment and health care
- Powers of attorney: Grants the power to make important medical and financial decisions on your behalf
- Conservatorships: Appoints one person (the conservator) to act on behalf of another who is physically or mentally incapacitated
- Probate and trust administration: Involves attorney Kane managing situations that require the probate court process and, when disputes arise, probate litigation
Are you part of the “sandwich generation” that is trying to raise kids and care for aging parents at the same time? Read attorney Kane’s e-book.
California Estate Planning FAQ Answered
Below are a few questions that many Californians have about estate planning.
What happens if I die without an estate plan in California?
If you die without a plan, California’s intestacy laws control who inherits through probate. The court decides how assets are distributed and who cares for minor children. Their determinations may not be what individuals would choose, which can lead to delays, added costs, public proceedings and potential family conflicts.
What are the benefits of using an estate planning lawyer versus creating an estate plan myself?
A lawyer will tailor your plan to your goals, ensure compliance with California law and tackle complicated paperwork. Experienced attorneys can minimize taxes and fees, ensure that trusts are properly funded, align beneficiary designations, and reduce errors that can invalidate documents or spark disputes. These services provide clarity and peace of mind during an already difficult time.
What should I include in my estate plan?
Every person is different and has unique estate planning needs. However, a basic plan can include a will, a revocable living trust (when appropriate), a durable financial power of attorney and an advance health care directive. Other elements include beneficiary designations, guardianship nominations for minors and directions for digital assets.
Get A Free Consultation With An Experienced Lawyer
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with the Ventura County attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Kane by calling 818-905-6088. Attorney Gerald L. Kane also serves clients globally. Reach out to him by completing the online contact form.