Don't underestimate the value of your estate--it includes your house, furniture, furnishings, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, jewelry, car, computer--everything you own. By setting forth an estate plan now, you can avoid having the State decide who will receive your property. And, if your estate is worth more than $3,500,000, you can reduce federal estate taxes due upon your death.

Most people use a will or revocable living trust to implement their Estate Plan, but these, however, are not the only documents encompassed within such a plan. For the most part, these documents deal with the distribution of your property at death. Today, many people realize they could experience a period of incapacity prior to death that would require a third party to manage their financial affairs or medical decisions.

Without proper planning, the only alternative would be a court-supervised conservatorship proceeding. Your family and friends will avoid unnecessary grief and expense if you layout an Estate Plan in advance.

RECENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association - June, 2008
California Retired Teachers Association - SCV Branch - September 9, 2008


Recent articles published on this topic:

* Advance Care Planning for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - May, 2009
*The California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - April, 2009
*Keeping Your Estate Plan Current
The Signal - Santa Clarita Valley - February 13,2009
*Update Your Beneficiary Designations
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - January, 2009
* Is My Will Still Valid If I Move To Another State?
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - November, 2008
*Make Your Funeral Arrangements Before Death
SCV Signal- "Its the Law", November 14, 2008
*Dividing Family Possession Before Death
SCV Signal - "Its the Law", October 3, 2008
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - December 2008
* How to be an Effective Health Care Agent
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - October, 2008
* How to Make It Less Likely that Anyone Will Contest Your Will
SCV Signal - "It's the Law", July 4, 2008
* New Developments in Capital Gain, Property Taxes
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - June 2008 and
SCV Signal - "Its the Law" - June 13, 2008
*Donating Your Body To Science After Death
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - March 2008
* Planning For Your Pet's Welfare
The Magazine of Santa Clarita - February 2008

The information here is presented as a guide. Please consult an attorney for specific advice.