Wills Attorney in Laguna Hills Helps Safeguard Your Estate

Preserving your legacy and wealth for your heirs

At Genevieve Wall, A Law Corporation, I prepare and draft wills and trusts for clients in Orange County and Southern California to ensure that their wishes are upheld and their assets distributed to those they choose to receive them.

Although California specifies, which relatives can inherit an estate when there is no will, most people do not want to leave that decision up to the state. A will is a legal document in which you spell out what you want done with your property and money after you die. To ensure that your estate is distributed as you wish and to minimize disputes, your will should meet these requirements:

A will cannot make a gift conditional. For example, your will cannot require that your daughter get married before she can receive her portion of your estate. Likewise, a will cannot be used to leave money to a pet, although it can assign a guardian for the pet and request that a trust be established for pet-care expenses.

What are the types of wills?

There are different types of wills for different purposes and situations:

• Last will and testament — This is a legal document in which you express how you want your property and wealth to be distributed after you die. The executor of your estate is required to follow it. To help avoid conflicts among the heirs and other potential problems, the document should be drafted by a lawyer.
• Statutory will — A statutory will is a prepared form that you fill in to express your wishes within the limits of the form. The state of California has a statutory will intended for simple distribution of small estates. The State Bar of California recommends that if you want a more complicated distribution, it is best to consult a lawyer.
• Living will — A living will does not deal with your property or estate. Instead, you use it to inform your health care provider or a future guardian how you want to be treated medically when you cannot assist in the decision-making yourself.

At Genevieve Wall, A Law Corporation, I have more than 30 years experience in writing wills for clients; I’m happy to advise you on what is appropriate for your situation.

Contesting and defending a will in California

Unfortunately, disputes sometimes arise regarding a will. A person not mentioned in the will might claim that he or she deserves a share of the estate or that the deceased was not of sound mind when the will was drafted and signed. Wills are contested in probate court. To minimize the possibility of a contested will, hire an estate planning attorney who can draft a comprehensive document that lessens the chance of a will contest.

To schedule a free initial consultation on preparing a will, contact my Laguna Hills office

At Genevieve Wall, A Law Corporation, I have more than three decades of experience helping clients create wills that express their wishes. I can put your concerns to rest and ensure your assets are distributed to those you choose. Call me at 949-859-0861 or contact me online for a free initial consultation. Situated in the Laguna Hills Civic Center, City Hall building, my office serves clients from throughout Orange County and Southern California. My office has free parking, and it is accessible by public transportation. My office hours are flexible: we can schedule a time convenient for you.

“I have worked with Genevieve over the past ten years since my mother’s stroke. She helped me with advanced directives, power of attorney, and through the probate stages. As executor of the estate, I was able to rely on her guidance throughout the process.”
–5.0 Rating ★★★★★

“Ms. Wall has been of great assistance in competently preparing our family trusts and assisting with all matters pertaining to the recent death of my mother in law. She is the best example of the professionalism and care for clients that characterizes a great attorney and counselor.”
–5.0 Rating ★★★★★