Los Angeles Wills Lawyer
Having a will is an important part of estate planning to ensure your loved ones are taken care of after you are gone. The Law Office of Cynthia R. Pollock is a Los Angeles wills law firm that provides legal assistance in will preparation.
The purpose of wills
A will is a legal document that specifies the distribution of a person’s assets upon death. To create a valid will, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. A will can be written entirely by the individual or with the help of wills lawyers in Los Angeles.
California recognizes traditional wills, which are signed by the individual and witnessed by two parties, and handwritten or holographic wills, written entirely in the individual’s handwriting. Handwritten wills must be signed by the individual but do not require witnesses. California also recognizes the validity of a will if it is executed in compliance with the law prevailing at the time of execution at the place where it was executed. This means that as long as the will is properly written pursuant to the laws of the state or country where it was written, then California recognizes it as valid.
A will determines the distribution of assets that exist in the deceased’s name only but cannot determine distribution of assets of the following:
-Life insurance
-Annuities
-IRA accounts
-Pensions
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Living trust assets. The trust agreement determines the distribution of assets.
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Trustee assets. Named beneficiaries receive such assets upon death of the decedent
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Payable on death or transferable on death assets. Such assets go to the named beneficiary.
While many states may require distribution of a decedent’s assets to surviving family members, California does not. You may leave your assets to anyone you wish and may disinherit any or all of your heirs in California. And you may leave your assets to any person or entity including:
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Individual(s)
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Corporation
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Association
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Organization
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Society
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Lodge
Contact a wills law firms in Los Angeles
With the help of skilled Los Angeles wills attorneys, you can prepare a will to carry out your wishes about your assets. Contact the Law Office of Cynthia R. Pollock online or call 877-849-8916 today to discuss a will.