Learning Center

This section is for clients who want to understand the basics of estate planning before deciding what they need. Each page below answers the questions we're asked most often.

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If you'd rather just talk it through, we offer a free initial consultation. Call 707.636.4611.

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The documents in most estate plans

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Living Trusts — how a trust avoids probate, keeps you in control during your lifetime, and protects your family if you become incapacitated.

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Wills — why almost everyone needs one, what happens without one, and how a will names guardians for minor children.

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Powers of Attorney — appointing someone to manage your finances if you cannot.

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Advance Health Care Directives — appointing someone to make medical decisions for you, and recording your wishes about your care.

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Other planning tools

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Trusts — special needs trusts, life insurance trusts, and powers of appointment.

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Charitable Trusts — charitable remainder and charitable lead trusts, and how they combine giving with tax planning.

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Family Business Succession — passing a family business to the next generation.

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If you are settling an estate

 

Probate — what the court process involves, how long it takes, and what it costs.

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Estate Administration — the duties of an executor or trustee, and how we can help you carry them out.