Santa Cruz Estate Planning Attorney
San Jose Living Will & Trusts Lawyer
At the Santa Cruz law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law, our clients receive sound advice and guidance in matters related to estate planning and end-of-life issues. With more than 30 years of experience assisting clients with estate planning needs, we have come to understand the importance of custom tailoring our representation to each person's individual goals.
In this day and age, if you don’t have an estate plan, things will not go well. Estate planning is your opportunity to decide what will happen in the event of your death. If you do not make those decisions beforehand, you are left at the mercy of generic laws which may, or more likely, may not distribute your property the way you want.
Through a well-planned estate, our Santa Cruz estate planning lawyers can help you secure tax advantages, speed up the process of estate administration for your beneficiaries, keep your financial affairs private and save your estate money.
Our estate planning services for individuals at any stage in life, including those in their 20s and 30s, incorporate the preparation of all of the documents that are necessary for an integrated and functioning estate plan, including a pour-over will for any property that is not in the trust, durable power of attorney for property management or a health care directive to state your wishes should you become incapacitated.
Contact the law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law, at 831-216-1350 | 800-724-1971 to arrange a consultation to discuss how estate planning can provide for your future along with the future of your loved ones.
Estate Planning and Real Estate
If you own real estate, you really should seek proper estate planning advice to fully protect your assets. Real estate values in the Central Coast are very much higher than the national average. When Congress makes laws regarding inheritance taxes and the like, they set dollar limits which should protect the "middle class" homeowner. The problem is that these dollar limits are not indexed for geographic property value differences, so homeowners in the Central Coast, particularly those who have owned their homes for some time, may easily have estates valued above the limits set by Congress. We help you plan your estate to take this into account and allow you to keep the maximum possible value from your assets.
Revocable Living Trusts
When our lawyers prepare an estate plan and set up a living trust, we take advantage of the opportunity to avoid federal estate taxes through the use of proper sheltering mechanisms, including the marital deduction. We often work in partnership with your accountant, financial planner and insurance agent, all of whom may be considered part of your estate-planning team. Our attorneys will make your estate plan flexible to anticipate changes in the law down the road.
Planning Ahead for the Care of Your Pet
For many animal owners, their dog, cat or other pet is a part of the family. Our attorneys can assist you in creating a plan for a time when you may need to go into a long-term care facility or put directions in place for pet care after your death. Through a variety of legal documents, we can help you ensure your beloved pet will have the home and financial support it needs for the remainder of its life.
Contact Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law
Avoid expensive probate. Contact an estate planning lawyer at the Santa Cruz law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law, for sensible legal advice and satisfying results.