unity law group
California Estate Planning Lawyers | Unity Law Group
◇ Throughout your lifetime, you have accumulated valuable assets like investments, savings accounts, real property, and business holdings. To safeguard your legacy and ensure your assets are transferred to your children, grandchildren, and future generations, you should consider an estate plan to avoid probate costs and fees. If you pass away without clearly stating your intentions, the court may distribute your estate at its own discretion. Regardless of your age, it is never too soon to seek guidance from skilled California estate planning lawyers to discuss wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other related matters.
◇ At Unity Law Group, our team draws upon years of experience to develop thorough estate plans to transfer client assets to loved ones. Whether you already have an existing estate plan you would like to revise or you are starting fresh, our attorneys are here to support you. We will evaluate your financial situation and outline your monetary objectives to design an estate plan tailored to your needs. To schedule a complimentary consultation and explore our services, call Unity Law Group today
estate planning
estate planning
unity law group
Estate Planning Attorney in California
◇ We provide a full suite of estate planning services utilizing revocable living trusts. In addition to enabling a tax-efficient transfer of real estate and other assets, trusts give clear instructions and guidelines to be followed, and allow for a process that is streamlined, inexpensive, and less stressful. We handle all types of clients, from those with high-wealth estates that require advanced trust instruments or business agreements to meet client goals, to straightforward estates where the primary concern is the family home. We take pride in creating estate plans that fulfill our clients’ objectives while reducing or avoiding potential disagreements or legal challenges.
◇ We also provide advanced estate tax planning services, employing various methods and approaches to lower the expenses associated with passing assets to chosen recipients and, in certain instances, supporting philanthropic objectives. Some of our most popular services include:
- Charitable lead trusts (CLTs)
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs)
- Charitable trusts
- Family limited partnerships (FLPs)
- Grantor-retained trusts (GRTs)
- Irrevocable trusts
- Life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Private foundations
- Public charities
- Qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs)
- Self-canceling installment notes (SCINs)
◇ Unity Law Group counsels trustees, executors, and trust administrators in probate matters and trust and estate administration. Our California estate planning attorneys advise trustees on a broad spectrum of topics and concerns, including:
- Accounting to beneficiaries
- All facets of trust administration
- Allocation of assets between trusts
- Beneficiary distributions
- Community and separate property
- Damage to trust property
- Heggstad petitions
- Interpretation of trust provisions
- Modification of irrevocable trusts
- Principal and Income Act
- Probate proceedings
- Resolution of estate tax disputes
- Settlement of claims against trustees
- Trust litigation
- Trustee compensation
- Trustee removal
Unity Law Group
Estate Litigation in California
◇ On occasion, conflicts occur during trust and estate administration when significant financial assets are at stake or when familial tensions exist. These disagreements typically emerge between one or more beneficiaries and the individual or organization tasked with overseeing and allocating the estate or trust property.
◇ We are experienced and proficient in estate and trust litigation, including negotiations to try to resolve conflicts outside of court. This firm is litigation-focused and trial-ready, so we can apply these strengths to the estate litigation practice area.
Unity Law Group
What Is Estate Litigation?
◇ An estate encompasses all property and financial interests owned by a deceased individual at the time of their passing. Probate is the process of a judge overseeing the management of an estate, and can be required when a person passes away without a trust. An executor or administrator is appointed by the court to oversee the decedent’s affairs, which includes settling debts and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries with court approval.
◇ In cases where conflicts arise and resolutions cannot be achieved through mutual agreements, legal proceedings may become necessary. Estate litigation pertains to any legal action associated with the administration of a deceased person’s estate brought before a probate court.
◇ Litigation primarily occurs when an estate is going through the probate court process, but can also affect trust estates. When a beneficiary disagrees with the terms of a trust, unless the trust is carefully drafted to anticipate this, litigation can unfortunately happen.
Unity Law Group
Who We Represent
◇ Unity Law Group’s California estate attorneys are a valuable resource for individuals involved in estate-related disputes. When necessary, we are fully prepared to initiate or defend against legal claims. Our estate lawyers remain committed to zealously protecting our clients’ rights and offering comprehensive support at every stage of the estate litigation process.
❖ Executors, Trustees, and Administrators
The primary responsibility of executors and administrators is to safeguard the decedent’s estate throughout the entire administration process. They must protect the estate and its property against estate disputes; for example, when the assets are at risk, or when a third party files a legal claim threatening the intended distribution.
Unity Law Group’s estate attorneys provide legal guidance to executors and administrators who feel unsure about whether to participate in a dispute. Our team also represents executors and administrators when defending an estate or pursuing legal action against beneficiaries or third parties who may have jeopardized estate assets.
❖ Heirs and Beneficiaries
A beneficiary is any individual named in a decedent’s will or trust to receive a portion of the estate. Executors and administrators owe fiduciary and other duties to beneficiaries, requiring that they act in the best interests of those beneficiaries.
Even if a person is not named as a beneficiary, he or she may still have a legal right to a share of a decedent’s estate under California law. An estate attorney can assist in clarifying those rights and advocating for the inheritance to which unnamed heirs may be legally entitled.
In estate conflicts, Unity Law Group represents beneficiaries and heirs by asserting claims against other interested parties. We have dealt with lost will litigation, beneficiary disputes and irresolvable conflicts, accounting disputes, and other claims brought by or against these parties.
❖ Spouses and Unmarried Partners
Surviving spouses may be entitled to a portion of the decedent’s estate even if they are not named in a will. Assets acquired during the marriage are usually considered community property, so a spouse who dies may only be able to give half of any community assets to beneficiaries. In some cases, a surviving spouse may have relinquished their rights to community property through a prenuptial agreement.
Unmarried partners, commonly known as common law spouses, do not have the same legal rights as legally married spouses. However, if there is an oral, written, or implied agreement between partners regarding inheritance, Unity Law Group’s Southern California estate attorneys can assist in enforcing such agreements in court to help secure the intended inheritance.
❖ Creditors
When an individual with outstanding liabilities passes away, the responsibility to settle those debts transfers to their estate. For a debt to be recovered, a creditor must file a formal claim as promptly as possible because creditor claims are subject to strict statutory deadlines. Once the time limit for submitting such a claim has expired, creditors will have minimal, if any, opportunity to recover the amounts owed.
Executors and surviving relatives who recognize these time limits may intentionally delay initiating the probate process. However, this tactic does not preclude creditors from submitting their claims. It underscores the point that creditors should not depend on formal notification from the executor regarding the debtor’s passing if they intend to seek repayment from the estate.
Whether the indebted person is the deceased or a beneficiary of a will or trust, Unity Law Group’s estate lawyers can provide creditors with strategic guidance throughout the intricate creditor claims process and make sure that claims are properly filed within the required timeframe.
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unity law group
Why Is
Estate
Planning
Important?
◇ Avoid Probate: The primary reason to hire an estate planning lawyer to prepare a comprehensive estate plan is to avoid probate. Probate is the court process that forces an estate to seek a judge’s approval on all aspects of estate management, including inheritances given to children and other beneficiaries. In addition to being expensive, probate is a long-term process, with even straightforward estates requiring multiple years in a California probate court before children can receive their deceased parents’ property.
◇ Implement Your Wishes: Your assets, such as real estate, financial investments, and business holdings do not automatically transfer to your heirs when you pass away. An estate planning lawyer can help you set up beneficiary designations and ensure your real estate is titled appropriately, so that a transfer can be expedient and inexpensive for your family. Without a well-drafted estate plan, you run the risk of your estate entering probate court, and of California’s intestate succession laws controlling how your assets will be distributed. If this occurs, your wishes regarding your property passing to your surviving spouse or children will not be considered. The state will not make charitable contributions on your behalf or implement strategies to minimize exposure to federal estate tax law or other taxes, while an estate plan can accomplish these goals.
◇ Save Money: With a customized estate plan tailored to your specific circumstances, Unity Law Group can assist in planning for potential tax burdens, designating assets to chosen heirs, and facilitating charitable donations. If your goal is to provide for future generations, including grandchildren or great-grandchildren, one of our experienced California estate planning attorneys can help structure your plan accordingly. A comprehensive estate plan protects your loved ones and preserves your legacy well into the future, at a fraction of the cost of probate.
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unity law group
Why Do
You Need
a
Probate
Attorney?
◇ What Is Probate? Some estates must undergo a legal procedure known as probate, a court-supervised process that must be followed for a decedent’s assets to be transferred to beneficiaries. Given the intricacies of probate law, this process can become complicated, time-intensive, costly, and stressful, often giving rise to conflicts among your family members and other interested parties.
◇ We Know Probate: An experienced probate attorney can assist in effectively addressing any challenges that may arise during the probate or trust administration process. At Unity Law Group, our team of legal professionals possesses in-depth knowledge of California state probate laws, enabling us to guide you through each step with clarity and confidence.
unity law group
California
Estate Law
FAQs
Accordion Title
Accordion Content
❖ What is the average cost for estate planning in California?
In California, the average cost for estate planning is $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the services required. For more intricate estates that involve advanced legal strategies or complex asset structures, fees may extend to $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Establishing a revocable living trust typically costs around $2,000 when prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney. However, this amount can increase if additional legal provisions or custom trust arrangements are needed. While online platforms such as LegalZoom may offer lower-cost alternatives, these often lack the personalized legal counsel and tailored solutions provided by Unity Law Group.
❖ How many estate planning attorneys are there in California?
There are 9,955 estate planning attorneys in California. To assist you in making an informed decision, Avvo has compiled detailed profiles for each lawyer, including their educational background, professional experience, and language proficiency. Additionally, you can access 17,883 genuine reviews from verified users to help you identify the most suitable attorney to meet your specific requirements.
❖ What is the difference between an estate lawyer and an estate planner?
Estate planners focus on developing strategies to preserve and allocate wealth, while estate attorneys concentrate on the legal facets of estate planning. This includes drafting legal documents, representing clients in legal proceedings, and ensuring that their directives are legally binding. Although their roles differ, both estate planners and estate attorneys are vital in assisting individuals in securing their financial legacies and protecting their loved ones. When collaborating, they offer a comprehensive approach to estate planning that encompasses both financial and legal considerations.
❖ How much should an executor of an estate be paid in California?
California has one of the most comprehensive fee structures, stipulating that the executor’s fee is four percent of the first $100,000 of the estate, three percent of the subsequent $100,000, two percent of the following $800,000, one percent on the next $9 million, one-half of one percent on the next $15 million, and a “reasonable amount” for estates exceeding $25 million. For most basic estates, the executor typically is awarded between $15,000 and $25,000.
unity law group
Why Choose
Unity Law Group?
- Free Consultation — At Unity Law Group, we recognize that selecting the right estate planning lawyer is a significant decision. We offer a complimentary initial consultation so that you can assess whether our services align with your unique needs. During the free consultation, we will listen to your story, evaluate your needs, and offer you the services our firm can provide based on our legal experience and your financial objectives.
- Proven Track Record — Since establishing this law firm, Unity Law Group’s legal professionals have assisted clients with a variety of estate planning and administration matters, in the process minimizing estate tax liabilities and preserving the value of our clients’ estates. Our clients have been able to rest easier with the knowledge that their heirs have been taken care of, and that the family they leave behind will be able to focus on remembering and grieving their loved one, instead of being forced to handle a prolonged, expensive probate court process.
- Clear, Ongoing Communication — Estate planning can often feel overwhelming, particularly for clients navigating it for the first time. Our commitment is to provide consistent, transparent communication throughout the process. Should you retain our legal services, you will always remain informed and supported, ensuring you never feel uncertain about the status or structure of your estate plan.
- Extensive Legal Experience — We at have handled a wide variety of estate, probate, and administration matters over our years of practice. We are well-equipped to handle even the largest estates, and regardless of your net worth, our clients are treated properly. No matter the value of your estate, we will help you safeguard your legacy, and preserve your wealth for future generations.
- Custom Estate Plans — Every estate is distinct, and so are our legal approaches. When you engage Unity Law Group, we will thoroughly review your estate and financial objectives to craft a personalized, comprehensive estate plan. As your financial situation evolves over the years by acquiring new assets or welcoming new beneficiaries, we can revise your estate plan accordingly.
- Guidance on Your Schedule — We know that the wishes of each estate planning client are different. Whether you are creating an estate plan for the first time or revising an existing one, our attorneys are here to provide timely, thoughtful guidance at every stage. Regardless of where you are in the process, Unity Law Group is prepared to support your estate planning journey.
unity law group
