Estate Planning Attorney Serving Glen Ellen
Most adults recognize the need for an estate plan, yet this tends to be one thing that many of us put off—sometimes until it’s too late. Regardless of your age or level of assets, chances are that you could significantly benefit from having an estate plan that reflects your goals and wishes. While procrastination is normal—many of us don’t want to consider our mortality, while others don’t think they have enough assets to warrant an estate plan—think about your loved ones and whether you would want them suffering additional hardship after your death or incapacitation.
Estate planning is one of those tasks that often sounds worse than reality. When you choose an experienced estate planning attorney serving Glen Ellen from Gullotta Law Group, you have taken an important first step toward an estate plan that accurately reflects your wishes. We will make the process easy and comfortable for you, answering all your questions in a thorough, yet easy-to-understand manner.
Why Choose Gullotta Law Group for Your Glen Ellen Estate Planning Needs?
Stories That Speak
Trusted by Our Community, Proven Through Results
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The Gullotta Law Group made estate planning easy with their professional yet friendly approach. We now have peace of mind knowing everything is in place.- Craig C.
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Eric Gullotta and his team exceeded expectations, providing thorough, compassionate, and efficient support in revising trust documents. Highly recommended!- Beverly H.
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Eric and Ashley made updating my trust, will, and healthcare directives fast, easy, and painless. Efficient and thorough service every step of the way!- Stephanie G.
Overview of Estate Planning Areas Handled by Gullotta Law Group
While every person’s estate plan is unique to their circumstances and wishes, the following documents are the most common for those having an estate plan prepared.
Last Will and Testament
A will can be an important tool in an estate plan, even if you also have a trust. If you have minor children, you can name a guardian for them in your will—something you cannot do in a trust. A will can have many other positive benefits, so speak to your estate planning attorney to understand its uses and limitations.
Power of Attorney Documents
A financial or medical power of attorney (POA) gives another trusted individual the power to make decisions on your behalf. You can make a financial power of attorney as broad or limited as you choose. A medical power of attorney allows another person to make health care decisions on your behalf when you are incapacitated and unable to do so.
Advance Health Care Directive
Rooted in Community, Driven by Integrity
Our Commitment to You
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As active and involved members of the Sonoma community, we are dedicated to making a positive impact, both professionally and personally, for the people we serve.
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We believe in making ourselves accessible to clients when they need us most. We are committed to providing responsive support throughout the entire probate process.
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Born and raised in Sonoma, we are deeply familiar with the local community and its values, allowing us to provide a personalized, compassionate approach to every case.
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We have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex probate and estate matters, providing expert solutions tailored to your unique situation.
Does Everyone Need an Estate Plan?
Virtually every single adult can benefit from some level of estate plan. If you are a young adult and just starting out, you likely have a vehicle and a bank account at a minimum and may have additional assets as well. You can designate who you would want to receive these assets with a simple will or trust. If you have minor children, having an estate plan is crucial, particularly when designating a guardian for your children. Most people have very specific wishes regarding whom they would want to raise their children, so it is crucial that this decision be memorialized in your estate plan. If your children are grown, an estate plan allows you to plan for your own future, including an unexpected incapacitation or stay in long-term care. No matter your age or level of assets, both you and your loved ones will gain significant benefits from having a carefully crafted estate plan.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
Estate planning is not a task that benefits from a DIY approach. You could potentially spend hours and hours putting together your own estate plan using internet documents and forms only to have your loved ones find out that a single, simple mistake voided the entire document. Estate planning laws change quickly, and only an estate planning attorney who keeps up with these laws can ensure your estate plan is legal and solid. Some of the most commonly seen problems among those who did their own estate planning include:
- Using jointly-held property in a manner which can cause unexpected tax burdens
- Inadequate life insurance or failure to name a backup beneficiary on your life insurance policy
- Choosing an executor based on emotion rather than choosing the person most qualified for the job
- Failing to let a named executor know they have been chosen (About 46% of executors had no idea they had been chosen)
- Making errors in estate planning documents that cause significant problems for your loved ones
- Failing to plan for incapacitation or long-term care