What to Expect from Estate Planning Part II | Will and Trust Lawyers In the San Francisco Peninsula

This is the second in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your San Francisco Peninsula will and trust lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics that you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs.

Our last article looked at several things you will need to consider and prepare when working with your will and trust lawyer in the San Francisco Peninsula.  Today’s article continues on with additional considerations that are generally important upon death.

1. Wills and Trusts:  Estate planning lawyers are focused on helping you craft just the right kinds of wills and trusts for your needs. (And, no, trusts are not just for super-rich people.)  These documents will be used to explain your wishes for what is to happen with your assets when you die and will be used to protect your estate or heirs from paying unnecessary taxes on what you are leaving behind.
2. Funeral Arrangements:  Your San Francisco Peninsula will and trust lawyer will likely encourage you to make funeral arrangements as part of the planning process.  Planning for one’s own funeral isn’t always the most enjoyable task (although some folks do find it cathartic).  On the other hand, taking care of arrangements in advance takes a big burden off of your family and friends and helps to ensure that things happen the way you would have wanted.
3. Organ Donation:  Medical science has progressed to the point where many organs and tissues of deceased individuals can be used to give the living a new lease on life.  Your San Francisco Peninsula will and trust lawyer can go over these possibilities with you and help you put the proper documentation in order if organ or tissue donation is something you want to do.
4. Obituary: Oftentimes, an obituary is written by a close friend or relative after someone has passed away.  You can actually write your own in advance, saving them from doing so during their grief and making sure that you get to highlight the events and achievements from your life that were most important to you.  Keep in mind that obituaries are not typically published for free, so your estate plan may also set aside some money to pay for the placement of the piece.
5. Health Care Directives: Your health care directives are an incredibly important part of working with a will and trust lawyer in the San Francisco Peninsula, and you need to be sure that they’re not only in order, but also available to those who need them.  These documents will include information on your choices about medical treatment, as well as end-of-life decisions that you have already made.

By working with a reputable will and trust lawyer in the San Francisco Peninsula, you can make sure that all of these areas are considered and that they fall under the laws and codes of California.  For more information or help getting started, please feel free to call our office at (650) 422-3313 to schedule a complimentary planning session with the mention of this article.