What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of preparing your financial and medical affairs for times when you are either (1) incapacitated or (2) no longer alive. The documents that result from such preparation are, in total, called your Estate Planning Portfolio. Different people have very different needs and desires about how they want to prepare for such eventualities, and the estate planning process can be very flexible and amenable to such distinct preferences.
Do you charge for a consultation?
Absolutely not! I am more than happy to meet with you for no charge to initially discuss your hopes and goals as you prepare your estate.
Do you charge a flat fee or hourly?
In my estate planning practice, I will work with you to create a payment plan that is acceptable for both parties, such as a retainer or flat rate. However, please note that for larger, complex estates over $1 million, I generally charge by the hour.
If I have a trust, do I still need a will?
Yes! If you have a trust, you will also need a certain type of will called a pour-over will. This type of will ensures that any assets you own at death that are not already part of your trust will then be transferred, or “poured over,” into your trust.
Can you help me avoid paying estate taxes?
While no one likes to pay taxes (me especially!), I sadly cannot stop your tax bill from arriving. However, I can help you structure your estate plan so that paying your estate taxes is as painless as possible!
What is the turn-around time from when I become a client to when I have my final documents?
I will try hard to to prepare initial drafts for you to review within 10 business days. I can email them or hand mail these drafts to you, whichever you prefer. If there are no changes you’d like or only a few minor changes, I should have final documents prepared for you within five more business days.
Do you take probate cases?
Unfortunately, no. I only prepare estate plans. I do not take probate cases.
Can you help me contest a will?
Again, I only prepare estate plans. I do not take cases where one party is contesting a will or estate plan provision.
Are you a notary?
Yes! As of June 2015, I am a notary with a full commission to notarize documents in the State of California. Please see me for all your notarizing needs!
Do you practice anything else besides estate planning?
Even though Joshua specializes in estate planning, he is more than happy to meet with you for a free consultation on your legal issues. Josh has worked on, and is familiar with, legal issues involving landlord-tenant, domestic violence, civil harassment, social services such as Medicare and Social Security, and employment law. If Joshua is not able to help you, he will do his best to refer you to a competent attorney or guide you in the right direction.