Carlsbad Estate Planning Attorney

Carlsbad Estate Planning Lawyer

I am attorney Paul V. L. Campo, owner of the Estate Preservation Group. Planning for your future does not have to be complicated and messy. I understand the challenges you face, which is why I am dedicated to providing personal service and tailored solutions to help you protect your family and preserve your legacy.

Carlsbad Estate Planning Attorney – Why Choose Estate Preservation Group?

Estate Preservation Group is a boutique law firm that provides personal, one-on-one attention to ensure the care of all clients. You’ll meet with Paul V. L. Campo, who has more than 30 years of experience with estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and guardianships throughout the Carlsbad area.

He takes pride in helping people. That’s why when you meet with Paul, you’ll feel heard and not talked to. His passion for listening to people and caring for their needs makes him committed to planning your estate the way you intended.

Why Estate Planning Is Important

Estate planning in Carlsbad, California, is an essential way of ensuring your assets are appropriately distributed to loved ones according to your wishes. While you may want to plan how your estate is passed on yourself, there are a lot of complex estate planning laws. For this reason, you need a Carlsbad estate planning lawyer.

A survey of adults in America revealed that only 24% of respondents have a will, which has declined from 33% in 2022. This is a serious problem, as estate planning plays a critical role in how your assets are handled after you die.

With an estate planning attorney by your side, we can minimize taxes and avoid legal complications when passing your estate to loved ones. This way, your loved ones can worry less and take all the time they need to mourn. If you have a trust in place, your family can avoid going to probate court at the Central Courthouse, located at 1100 Union Street in San Diego, which can be a stressful requirement when coping with a loved one’s loss.

In addition, estate planning has many benefits for you and your loved ones:

• Protects assets: Establishing a clear estate plan with a trust can allow you to avoid costly and lengthy probate proceedings. If you fail to plan accordingly, your assets could get tied up in court and appear in public records, creating financial strain for loved ones.
• Honors your wishes: Planning for your estate after you’re gone helps you ensure your assets are handled the way you intend. With a clear and holistic plan, you can have peace of mind knowing what assets are going where.
• Minimizes taxes and legal issues: While California doesn’t have an estate tax, larger estates may be subject to federal taxes. Trusts and lifetime gifting could be alternatives to avoid severe tax burdens. For these reasons, you should consider a long-term care lawyer.
• Prevent family drama: Finally, your family will experience less drama and disputes when a clear plan is laid out.

Who Should Consider Estate Planning?

Carlsbad estate planning should be considered by more than just seniors. Every adult should consider estate planning, but there are some demographics that should consider it as a more pressing matter than others and reach out to hire an estate planning attorney as soon as possible:

• Families with children
• Business owners
• Homeowners
• Individuals with health conditions
• Retirees

My Estate Planning Services

As a knowledgeable Carlsbad estate planning attorney, I handle a broad range of estate planning matters for clients in Oceanside, Carlsbad and throughout California. I help my clients with all matters involving their estate plan, including:

• Wills: Establishing a will can help you achieve many objectives, including choosing how your wealth and assets are distributed after death.
• Trusts: I can help you establish trusts that protect your assets, provide for loved ones and perform other important legal and financial objectives.
• Powers of attorney: By establishing a power of attorney, you can choose a trusted person to make important financial decisions on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated.
• Advance health care directives: If you are concerned about the end of life medical treatment you receive, I can help you make those decisions today, rather than leave them to chance.
• Estate planning for blended families: I help people in blended families navigate the complex issues that arise in the estate planning process.
• Charitable giving strategies: I can help you establish a legacy you can be proud of while supporting individuals and causes that are important to you.

Common Mistakes Made With Estate Planning

With so many moving parts, it’s easy to make mistakes when planning your estate. For this reason, you should avoid creating your estate plan on your own. Instead, hire a Carlsbad estate planning attorney to assist you. We can make sure you have all the necessary parts to pass your assets on to your loved ones.

There are some other pitfalls you should avoid as well:

• Uninformed loved ones: Don’t keep your loved ones in the dark about your estate plan. Inform them of your plans to prevent confusion, disputes, and stress after you’re gone.
• Locking away documents: Provide copies of your estate plan to your beneficiaries or appointed executor. This way, they don’t have to search for your plan to execute it properly.
• Forgetting about digital assets: Many people forget about their digital assets that they can pass on to their loved ones. Consider any cryptocurrencies, cloud storage, social media accounts, or files to include in your trust or will.
• Not updating your plan: Be sure to update your plan after major life events, such as having children or grandchildren, marriage, or divorce.

Personalized Service To Help You Reach Your Goals

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. Your legal documents should be tailored to your needs and the unique dynamics of your family. As your attorney, I will work with you personally throughout the estate planning process to put legal plans in place that support your goals.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Cost of an Estate Plan in California?

A: The average cost of an estate plan in California depends on many factors, such as the complexity and size of your estate and business ownership. These details greatly impact how easily an estate plan can be drafted and clearly laid out to effectively execute upon your passing. For an accurate estimate of your estate plan, contact our Carlsbad estate planning firm to discuss details.

Q: Should You Use an Attorney for Estate Planning?

A: Yes, you should use an attorney for estate planning. Writing your own will or using a template online can leave serious gaps or cause problems for loved ones later on, especially if you have a large estate. You should hire an estate planning attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of a will or trust. They can also ensure your estate plan complies with state laws. Get in touch with an estate planning lawyer to start your estate plan.

Q: What Is the Difference Between an Estate Planner and an Estate Lawyer?

A: The difference between an estate planner and an estate lawyer lies in their role. An estate planner helps you strategize how to distribute your assets accordingly. They take into account some additional factors such as taxes, your family dynamic, and personal preferences. Essentially, they create a plan for you to follow to adequately distribute your assets.

On the other hand, an estate planning lawyer helps you draft the legal documents necessary to pass on assets. They also represent you and your beneficiaries in court to ensure your wishes are enforced.

Q: What Is the New Law in California for Estate Planning?

A: Starting January 2025, the new law in California for estate planning introduced two new changes when it comes to estate planning. Firstly, trustees may now terminate a trust without a court’s approval if its value is worth less than $100,000. As a result, this reduces time and legal fees for smaller estates.

Secondly, a decedent’s primary residence valued up to $750,000 can be transferred to heirs without probate. This makes it easier for families to settle estates and access their loved one’s assets faster.

Do Not Wait To Get Started. Contact Us.

Your estate plan should be tailored to you and your family. I will help you understand your options and what steps to take to protect your legacy. When you are ready to discuss your estate planning and asset protection needs with an experienced lawyer, contact us online.