Estate Planning Law FAQs

Check out our explanations and video library

What is special needs planning, and why do I need it?

A special needs trust is a tool to protect benefits and services that someone with a disability may be receiving by preventing their disqualification through unplanned inheritances or settlement.
https://youtu.be/PGYzc1zxcFI?si=eQN09iuRQTsXXWze

What documents are typically included in an estate plan?

A family's foundational estate "plan" often includes a will, individual incapacity planning documents and a revocable living trust. Check out the below sections to learn about each component!

Isn't a trust for really wealthy people?

No! A trust in California, can be beneficial for any family who wants to preent their family from experiencing the costly, lengthy and public process of probate during a time of grief and change. https://youtu.be/648o2fkLoXw?si=fB-wvzUClYlQDZiO

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your complete AT LEAST every three years, as family dynamics, assets, and health changes. We conduct free reviews with our clients every three years to ensure their plan always works when they need it.

How does a power of attorney work, and why is it important?

https://youtu.be/8SdahplWTvs?si=9D0TLnbvlFmCYm5-A Power of Attorney is just one tool to utilize during your incapacity that gives a trusted person the authority to assist in your day to day affairs.

Is estate planning only for wealthy individuals?

https://youtu.be/2RZkim_AGJQ?si=laUY6NdnrFomYhTZThere are many myths related to estate planning. We regularly debunk them all. Estate planning is for anyone who loves their family and/or desires to prevent the state from inheriting their assets.

What's difference between guardian or trustee for my child with special needs?

https://youtu.be/B0P5cD04jPc?si=apdQ9e0w_8AMxjaaGuardians provide care. Trustees manage assets, living arrangements and caregivers. They often work together.

How do I choose the right executor or trustee?

This is a deeply personal question and consideration. Our Legacy Design Planning Session walks you through the decision-making process.
https://youtu.be/8dKLyYWFrtM?si=jQ8NT4htQdCzpMWc

How much does an estate plan cost?

https://youtu.be/Bv15yJa31pg?si=v3-zNzr14p75sjCVEstate planning is deeply personal and should be determined by each family's goals. For this reason, we use the Legacy Design Planning Session to understand a family's intended outcomes and provide multiple flat fee options for achieving those goals.

What is a health care directive?

An Advanced Health Care Directive grants trust people the authority to assist in your medical care when you are no longer capable.
https://youtu.be/kI50I68cDj8?si=71gdFV71igcQCcqA

Experience and Expertise

Do you focus primarily on estate planning, or do you handle other types of legal work as well?

We guide families through the estate planning process, with a strong emphasis on PLANNING. Our goal is to bring you peace of mind and keep your family out of court and without conflict.

What types of clients do you typically work with?

We work with families, single parents, blended families, business owners, those with a loved one with a special need or disability.

Do you also assist with probate and estate administration?

We do not handle probate or trust administration. We get ahead of court conflict with thorough, comprehensive planning.

What's your process for creating or updating an estate plan?

We walk every family or individual through our Legacy Design Engagement Process, where there is a dedicated support person and attorney to map out the process, be available for questions and provide ongoing guidance as life circumstances change. A free, working meeting with our attorney is available to identify your planning goals (*a session fee is only charged in the absence of incomplete pre-meeting "homework." Our intake team will discuss when you reach out to us).

Fees & Communication

How do you charge for your services: hourly or flat fee?

Flat fee directed by the client's goals

Additional FAQs

At what age should I start thinking about an estate plan?

If you have a bank account, own a home or have minor children... today!

Can I include funeral or burial wishes in my estate plan?

Yes! We already include this as part of our planning.

Client Reviews

Saira the managing attorney with Pele Law handled my living trust. She was so professional and caring. I didn't realize how much is involved and decisions that need to be made when it comes to this she made the process very simple. I can't recommend the Law Group enough. Get your affairs in order...

— R.H.

Working with Pele Law has provided peace of mind knowing that my descendants will be cared for appropriately and in alignment with my wishes. Saira and team are fantastic and highly organized. The process and interface tools are very user friendly as well.

— J.C.

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