Having an Advanced Healthcare Directive (“AHCD”) is not only recommended for elder adults and those facing physical challenges, but for everyone, young or old, healthy or sick.  An AHCD allows you to direct an agent as to precisely what  medical treatment–or lack of treatment-- should be taken if you were to become incapacitated and unable to make the decisions for yourself.  Not only can you appoint the agent (attorney-in-fact) you trust to enforce the guidelines you set forth in your AHDC, it also allows you to instruct specific healthcare treatments, organ donations and even funeral arrangements.  Tragedy, sickness and disease has no age limit and preparing in advance is cost effective, can save a lot of headache, confusion and even disagreements that can arise between family members during such a stressful time–even families that never have strife.

    What is a revocable living trust and how will it benefit me? One of the most beneficial aspects of a trust is that it allows the beneficiaries, after the death of the owners (or Settlors) to avoid probate. Probate is an extremely expensive legal process and the fees paid to the attorney and the administrator or executor are set by statute. The fees are set by California Probate Code Section 10810. They are as follows:

Estate Planning is a process which gives you control over who will inherit your assets after your death. Typically it includes a trust, a power of attorney, an advance directive, and a will–although everybody’s needs are different. It includes a legal document known as a will. There is much to be considered with an estate plan. For instance: Who will make the decisions for your healthcare and finances if you are rendered unable to care for yourself?