Estate Planning

Carmichael, California Estate Planning Lawyer

People sometimes think that that planning for the future is something then can put off until later. However, taking steps today to plan for your tomorrow provides you the best chance to ensure that your wishes regarding your assets and your medical care will be carried out when you can no longer speak for yourself. If you do not have an estate plan in place, the court will make these decisions for you.

The estate planning process can raise many questions. Do I need a will or trust? What are the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of my options? What is more expensive to set up? What are the tax implications of a trust? Working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you get answers to these questions and give you the confidence you need to make the right choices.

Estate Planning Documents

For two decades, I have helped men and women in Carmichael and surrounding areas understand their estate planning options and find the solutions that meet their needs and goals:

• Wills: A will is a document that describes how your assets will be distributed after you die.
  
• Powers of attorney: Powers of attorney allow you to give authorization to someone else to act on your behalf. These are only effective while you are still alive.
• In a healthcare power of attorney, you specify who you want to make medical choices for you should you become incapacitated, as well as what your wishes are. By stating to the hospital in advance your wishes regarding life support measures and other medical treatments, you can avoid a court battle (like the well-known case of Terry Schiavo) over your care.
• A financial power of attorney lets you designate another person authority to act on your behalf regarding your assets and financial decisions, such as the power to pay bills and write checks while you are incapacitated.
• Trusts: A trust is a means to avoid probate, and it can also be used to reduce federal estate taxes and shorten the time it takes to transfer assets after death. To give the trust effect, you will also need a pour-over will, and I will ensure this is created.
• Special needs trusts: A special needs trust is a trust created for the benefit of a disabled or incapacitated person, usually a child or spouse. This protects assets and prevents income and asset disqualification from governmental benefits, including Medical. The trust money can then be used for things not covered by MediCal, including dental care, personal hygiene items, travel or entertainment without jeopardizing the beneficiary's access to benefits.

Personal Service from an Experienced Lawyer

Some attorneys who have a high-volume wills and trust practice don't always take the necessary time do the work thoroughly or properly. They don't transfer the title of assets to be placed in a trust, for instance, and in the process undermine its effectiveness.

At the Law Office of Gary Hursh, you can take confidence in knowing that I will work with you to carry out your wishes. I believe that peace of mind starts with having the benefit of experience and careful attention to detail on your side.

To schedule your initial consultation, please contact my office or call 916-481-9426. Conveniently located next to the Carmichael post office, my office is open from 8-5 (closed for lunch from 12-1), with evening and weekend appointments available. Hospital or nursing home visits are also available by appointment.

Law Office of Gary Hursh

6855 Fair Oaks Blvd
Suite 100
Carmichael, CA 95608
Telephone: 916-481-9426 | Fax: 916-971-0558
Map and Directions

The Law Office of Gary Hursh is located in Carmichael, California, and represents clients in the greater Sacramento area and the Sacramento Valley, including the cities of Fair Oaks, Folsom, Sacramento, Antelope, Rancho Cordova, Granite Bay, Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, Citrus Heights, Lincoln and Davis, and in Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County and Yolo County.