The Loop Newspaper - Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

If you are reading this article, I am assuming you are at least thinking about an estate plan. So let's get started!

As you can imagine it is important to figure out what you own and how you own it. In California, people who die without a plan will have their property distributed according to California intestacy law. That's a fancy way of saying how to distribute your property to the closest living relative. This requires a probate.

So what kind of a plan? Wills and trusts both manage how your property will be distributed. One or the other is better than nothing at all. The biggest difference is how smooth the road will be after you die. Do you want to avoid probate? That is the determining factor for most people. Wills typically cause a probate while a trust avoids probate.

It's also important to know if you can figure this out for yourself or if you need an attorney to help you. There are lots of articles, books and internet searches that can help you figure that out.

Unless your estate is complicated or you are very wealthy, the actual estate planning documents and procedures are not that hard. A Legal Document Assistant, such as I, can give you concise information (see the word concise) written by attorneys that will answer your basic questions. Then you would fill out a simple questionnaire that directs me to prepare the documents. Once I have all the information, I prepare the documents at your specific direction, you will review them and if all is the way you want it, we will make an appointment to sign the documents. I am also a notary public. And I will come to you if requested!

School will be back in session soon, so get this off your "to do" list. Call me today for an appointment.

Diana Wade is a Legal Document Assistant. She can be reached at (661) 821-0494 or dianapwade@yahoo.com. Diana is not an attorney; she can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. Kern County LDA #185, ex 4/11/23.