Antioch, CA – Everyone, no matter their stage of life, has an estate, which includes everything they own – cars, real estate, bank accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, jewelry, and personal belongings. Because these assets cannot be taken after death, most people want to ensure their estate is distributed according to their wishes, supporting the family members, friends, or organizations they care about most. 

To ensure those wishes are carried out, individuals must provide clear instructions specifying who should receive their assets, what they should receive, and when. Law Offices of Joel A. Harris assists clients in accomplishing this goal while minimizing taxes, legal fees, and court costs, utilizing wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools. Founded in 1993 by Bay Area will attorney Joel A. Harris, the practice is dedicated to preserving clients’ legacies and ensuring their estate plans are executed exactly as intended, in full compliance with California estate planning laws.

 

A will is a legal document that outlines who (beneficiary) gets what (inheritance), and who is in charge (executor) of an estate after an individual dies. While a will can be the most appropriate way to nominate a guardian for children under 18, every adult should have a customized, well-drafted will that has been reviewed and revised to accommodate life’s milestones. 

 

As the foundational estate planning document, a will serves as a cornerstone that specifies asset distribution among beneficiaries; without a will, an individual can lose control over what happens to their assets, which will then go through probate. By clearly stating their wishes, a will can also reduce potential conflicts among family members who might otherwise dispute the distribution of assets. Beyond appointing a guardian for minor children, a will names a trusted loved one or professional who’ll be responsible for managing the estate. 

 

To have a legally valid will in California, the person writing it (the testator) must be at least 18 years old, must be of sound mind, and the will must be written, signed, and witnessed by at least two people. According to Law Offices of Joel A. Harris, it’s always best to have a will drafted by an attorney who can create a comprehensive plan that includes powers of attorney (POA), living wills, beneficiary designations, and trusts. 

 

Since estate planning can be complex and often brings up sensitive emotional issues, the will preparation attorney is committed to putting clients’ rights and interests first by listening to their objectives, answering their questions, gathering and preparing relevant supporting documents, and creating a solution that fits them and their family. 

 

About Law Offices of Joel A. Harris

 

For more than 30 years, Law Offices of Joel A. Harris has assisted individuals and families throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area in protecting their futures and preserving their legacies. Founder Joel A. Harris is state bar certified in estate planning, trust, and probate law, and has been recognized as a California Super Lawyer, a distinction awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in the state for exceptional skill and service.

 

 

Media Contact

Name
Law Offices of Joel A. Harris
Contact name
Joel A. Harris
Contact phone
(925) 757-4605
Contact address
511 W 3rd St
City
Antioch
State
CA
Zip
94509
Country
United States
Url
https://www.joelharrislaw.com/

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