Wills

Everyone Needs a Will

Living Will - Guardianship - Powers of Attorney

A will is the primary estate planning document. Whether your assets are significant or modest, a will allows you to determine who will inherit your property, bank accounts, pension plans, and other assets. A will also allows you to make arrangements for the care of your children.

We help people overcome their reluctance to talk about death

We have noticed that some people are uncomfortable talking about death, reasoning that they have many years to worry about writing a will. However, even the most healthy and vibrant young adult can suffer a fatal accident just as he or she is embarking on life, starting a career, and beginning a family. The attorneys in our probate department are sensitive to this. We work with clients to overcome their reluctance to talk about what will happen after their death.

Experienced estate planning attorneys

Contact our Pasadena or Orange County office to learn how we can help you plan for the future by writing a will. We have walked many individuals and couples through the process, creating documents that are tailored to their needs and circumstances. We create wills that hold up in will contests by taking the time to learn about our clients' lives and situations.

Benefits of having a will

A will allows a person to determine the disposition of property after death while he or she is still living. Writing a will also provides people with the opportunity to:

• Name a guardian for minor children
• Develop advance heath care directives, or living wills, to lay out your wishes for end of life care and medical treatment should you be unable to speak for yourself
• Give another person a durable power of attorney to administer your affairs should you become incapable of taking care of your finances or life needs

Creating or reviewing your will is particularly important after a major life change

We urge people to think ahead when any important life change occurs. If you marry, divorce, develop a chronic illness, have a child, or experience radical changes in your financial situation, you should talk with an estate planning lawyer to review your existing will or create a new one. Visit our Southern California law firm to discuss your needs. Contact Russakow, Ryan & Johnson at 626.768.3320.