Estate planning is a task that most of us tend to put off as long as possible. Sometimes we avoid estate planning because we don’t think our “estate” is substantial enough to warrant an estate plan. It can also be difficult to think about our eventual demise or disability, or we may simply be so busy that estate planning tasks get pushed to the side. While the number of American adults who had a will or other type of estate plan increased slightly during the pandemic, we are now seeing a drop in the number of people with estate plans.
Caring.com found that the only age group that has not seen a decline in estate planning rates since 2020 is young adults between the ages of 18 and 34. Virtually every adult can benefit from having an estate plan. Having an experienced estate planning attorney serving Napa from Gullotta Law Group will make the estate planning process simple and easy while tailoring your plan precisely to your wishes and needs.
Why Choose Gullotta Law Group for Your Napa Estate Planning Needs?
The Gullotta Law Group strives to make estate planning a comfortable, easy experience from start to finish. Our fixed-fee pricing encourages our clients to take an active role in the decision-making process and ask any questions they may have. At Gullotta Law Group, we never engage in “cookie-cutter” estate planning. We know that each client is unique and we go the extra mile to ensure the estate plan is precisely tailored to individual circumstances, life situations, and the client’s specific wishes. Attorney Eric Gullotta wants to ensure that your estate plan protects you now and in the future. Eric will be the advocate you need and deserve throughout the estate planning process, and into the future.
Overview of Estate Planning Areas Handled by Gullotta Law Group
When you choose Gullotta Law Group for your estate planning needs, you get a full-service law firm with people who care about you and your future. You will work directly with attorney Eric Gullotta, and we will ensure your estate plan is kept up-to-date while fully reflecting your wishes and your life changes. Gullotta Law Group has a highly knowledgeable estate planning attorney serving Napa who can help you with any of the following estate plan components:
Wills
Perhaps you are at a point in your life where a simple will and a healthcare directive will complete your estate plan. You may be just starting out in your life and have minimal assets. You could be married or single and may have young children. If you have minor children, you must have a will that names a guardian for your children in the event something should happen to you and their other parent. A will can prevent any confusion regarding who you want your assets to go to in the event of your death.
Power of Attorney Documents
A durable power of attorney document allows you to grant another person of your choice the legal authority to act on your behalf. You are known as the principal in this situation while the person receiving the power is known as the agent or the attorney-in-fact. A durable power of attorney allows your agent to manage your financial affairs and is only effective while you are alive.
Trusts
There are many different types of trusts; you may choose a Revocable Living Trust that will both direct how you want your assets distributed after your death and can also leave instructions regarding who you want to make your healthcare decisions in the event you become incapacitated. You may also benefit from a Special Needs Trust if you have an adult child with disabilities. Your attorney can guide you in choosing the trust that most closely fits your needs.
Advance Health Care Directives
A California health care directive lets your doctors, family, and friends know your health care preferences, including the types of medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life, as well as whether you are an organ donor.
Do I Really Need an Estate Plan?
It’s easy to put off thinking about an estate plan until you are older, but in truth, unexpected and unthinkable events happen in life every day. Estate plans are not reserved for the super-wealthy, or for those who have children. Even young adults approaching 18 may want to consider an estate plan. No matter what level of assets you have, you probably have some idea of who you would like those assets to go to in the event of your death—and who you would not want them to go to. The state of California might have other ideas, so it is important to have a clear estate plan that details your wishes. An experienced estate planning attorney serving Napa from Gullotta Law Group will ensure your estate plan is thoughtful, thorough, and fully reflects your wishes and where you are in your life journey.
How Much Will an Estate Plan Cost?
The cost of your estate plan is dependent on how extensive that plan is. Generally speaking, an estate plan could cost from $900 to more than $6,000 depending on whether you only have a will, or have trusts, power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives as well. Gullotta Law Group is unique in that we offer fixed fees for the creation of your estate planning documents. This allows you to ask questions and get involved without worrying about hourly fees.
Why Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney?
Some areas of life simply do not benefit from a DIY approach. Estate planning is one of those areas. When you download estate planning documents from the Internet, you are risking all the work you put into the plan only to find out a single mistake voided the plan entirely. Experienced estate planning attorneys keep up with the frequent changes in state and federal laws that could affect your estate plan. They know the very best ways to help you hang on to your money and assets for your beneficiaries, how to pay as little in taxes as possible, and which estate planning documents will offer you the maximum benefits.
Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney Serving Napa to Help You
Hiring an estate planning attorney serving Napa from Gullotta Law Group is likely to leave you pleasantly surprised at how easy attorney Eric Gullotta makes the process for you. Eric will listen to you carefully, understand your wishes and needs, and then suggest estate planning documents that will ensure your wishes are carried out in the event of your death or incapacitation. There are plenty of things in life that are difficult and stressful. We don’t want estate planning to fall into those categories, so we make it easy and simple while ensuring your final estate plan does exactly what you want it to do. Contact Gullotta Law Group today!
