Estate planning is of vital importance in order to ensure that your loved ones are provided for and that your healthcare requests and final wishes regarding your property are honored. We at the Law Office of Thomas P. Hogan help individuals and families create customized plans that safeguard assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, our in-depth knowledge of California law combined with our small firm, personalized approach ensures we’ll provide the trusted legal guidance you need to secure peace of mind.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of legally arranging how the assets in your estate will be managed and distributed in the event of your incapacity or death. A strong estate plan helps protect your property, care for your loved ones, and avoid unnecessary costs or court involvement. By taking the time to understand your family dynamics, financial goals, and values, we at the Law Office of Thomas P. Hogan create estate plans tailored to every client’s unique and personal circumstances.

Estate Planning Services

We have extensive experience in the following estate planning legal services:

Wills: A last will and testament outline how your property should be distributed after your death and allows you to name guardians for minor children. We draft clear, enforceable wills that reflect your intentions and comply with California law.

Living Trusts: A revocable living trust helps your estate avoid probate, thus saving your family time, money, and stress. With a trust, you can manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure they are seamlessly transferred to your beneficiaries. We assist with trust creation, funding, and administration.

Power of Attorney: A durable power of attorney allows you to appoint a trusted person to handle financial or legal matters on your behalf if you become incapacitated. We ensure continuity and protection of your affairs when you can’t act for yourself.

Probate and Trust Administration: If you are named as an executor or trustee, we can guide you through your fiduciary duties, such as filing court documents to distributing assets and resolving disputes.

Estate Tax and Asset Protection Planning: We help high-net-worth individuals and business owners minimize estate and gift taxes, protect assets from creditors, and ensure wealth is transferred effectively to the next generation through trusts, gifting strategies, and charitable planning.

Avoiding Probate Through Estate Planning

California’s probate laws can be complex and time-consuming. Without a proper estate plan, your property could be distributed according to state law, not your wishes. This can result in costly probate proceedings, ugly family disputes. unnecessary taxes and delays, and loss of privacy. We can help you form and execute well-drafted estate plans to help your loved ones avoid these challenges and provides clear direction when it’s needed most.