Experienced Attorneys Helping You Prepare for the Future

There are many events in people’s lives that cause them to consider estate planning. At the Watkins Firm, we believe everyone should take a close look at their estate planning options early in life and continue to update their estate plans over time.

Our experienced estate planning lawyers can help you do just that. We have extensive experience in all areas of California estate planning. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us at our offices in San Diego.

Offering Personalized Estate Planning Options

We are devoted to providing personalized service to each client. We can counsel you, based on your personal goals, on your estate planning options under California law, including the following:

  • Wills: This basic estate planning document disposes of property that has not been transferred to a trust or another person before your death, specifies your burial preferences and appoints guardians for your minor children.
  • Trusts: A trust is a legal entity that has several estate planning uses. The most common is a revocable living trust, which allows you to retain control of your property during your life but automatically transfers it outside of probate court at your death.
  • Powers of attorney: If you ever become incapacitated, you want to be sure that your personal and financial affairs are in the right hands. A durable power of attorney allows you to appoint an appropriate person in advance.
  • Advance health care directives: This estate planning document conveys your wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatment and appoints someone to implement those wishes, replacing what used to be a living will and medical power of attorney.
  • Probate court: We can appear in court on your behalf to execute wills and other estate documents, and take care of any other formalities needed to finalize your affairs.

Estate planning in California can be confusing, even when you just want a simple will. It is important to consult with an attorney before signing any documents.

Counseling Business Owners and Investors

If you own a small business or have made substantial investments, you may have some specific needs and concerns when it comes to the estate planning process.

Business succession planning has the goal of making sure your business interests pass in accordance with your wishes. Asset protection seeks to screen off your family and estate from the potential negative impact on your investments if you are no longer there to oversee them.

Our attorneys can counsel you on your business succession and asset protection options and help you implement those options. Contact us to learn more.