Law Office of Elisabeth "Lisa" Lambert

Estate Planning

Estate Planning is a customized process involving the counsel of an attorney who assesses your goals and concerns, your assets, how they are owned, your family structure and its dynamics. At a minimum, an Estate Plan should include a Will, a Power of Attorney for financial matters, and an Advanced Healthcare Directive for each individual. Usually, a full estate plan will also include a Trust for the reasons discussed in the Trust section. Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with Lisa TODAY to start exploring solutions for your unique situation.

Wills

Wills are legal documents that describe how you want to distribute your property after your death. It generally does not address estate tax planning. After your death, a Will must go through the court Probate process prior to releasing your property to your heirs. It does not address how to manage your assets while you are alive but incapacitated. A Will is one of the most basic ways of transferring your property to your heirs. Lisa will guide you through the decision-making process to provide a unique solution for you.

Trusts

Trusts are legal contracts between at least two parties; a grantor and one or more trustees. The Trust document describes how property titled in its name will be managed and distributed both during your lifetime and after your death. Trusts may provide for robust estate tax planning and more complex ways of transferring your property after death.  Lisa will help you navigate the pros and cons of whether a Trust is appropriate for your circumstances.

Power of Attorney

A financial Power of Attorney (POA) gives another person to conduct financial matters when you cannot be present. There are two basic types of POA. The first kind is a Durable Power of Attorney that permits your agent to act on your behalf immediately. The second basic type is a Springing Power of Attorney that authorizes your agent to act when certain conditions are met. Powers of Attorney are only valid during the Principal's lifetime and expire upon death. Everyone should have some type of financial power of attorney in place to handle financial affairs if they are unable to do so.

Advanced Health Care Directive

An Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD) authorizes your designated agent to make healthcare decisions on the your behalf if you are unable to make them. AHCDs also describe your unique wishes regarding healthcare decisions, including your end of life wishes. Everyone should have an AHCD in place authorizing someone to make healthcare decisions if they are unable to make them.

Business Planning

Choosing your business entity (an LLC, a Corporation, Sub Chapter S Corporation, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship) is a critical part of your business plan. It should involve both an attorney to address the legal aspects like liability exposure and a tax professional to assess which form has the best tax treatment for your business.

Education

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of estate planning. Discover what it truly means, explore the intricate details involved, and learn how to kickstart your own planning process. Check out our Blog.

Locations Served

Lisa offers House Calls and Virtual Meetings. Schedule your free consultation today!

Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Santa Maria, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Carmel, Monterey, Salinas, Aptos, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Gilroy, Hollister, Prunedale.

Dementia, Alzheimer's and Incapacity Planning

Everyone needs appropriate Powers of Attorney (POA) to plan for times when you may need additional assistance managing your finances and healthcare. POAs keep you in control of who will help you. They are critical and can save you and your family thousands of dollars in court costs. If you are not ready for to engage in a full estate plan, please make sure that you have appropriate POAs in place. Please reach out to Lisa for more information and pricing.