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LAW OFFICES OF SAM FERDOWS presents:

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Estate Planning

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Methods of Estate Distribution:   · Intestacy (dying without a will)   · Joint Tenancy   · Will   · Revocable Living Trust Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust:   · Avoid Probate   · Avoid Conservatorship   · Protection for Minor Children   · Avoid or Reduce Estate Taxes Probate   · What is Probate?   · Probate Challenges   · Alternatives to Probate Community Property Guardianship Conservatorship Estate Taxes:   · Estate Tax Exemption Amount   · Estate Tax Rates   · Estate Tax Calculator Other Estate Planning Techniques:   . Trust for Minors   . Custodial Accounts for Minors   . Life Insurance Trusts About our Law Firm Contact us:      Info@e-livingtrusts.com Questions & Answers Estate Planning Links

It is a widely held misconception that Estate Planning is only for the wealthy.  This misconception may cost your loved ones time, money, and a lot of hassle.  Probate of your estate may last anywhere from 6 months to over a year, during which time your loved ones may not have access to money and other assets which you leave behind for them.  Moreover, Federal estate taxes start at 37% and can climb as high as 55%.      By taking a few simple steps now to set up a proper estate plan, you could:      ·   Ensure proper distribution of your assets to your loved ones;      ·   Avoid costs, publicity, and delays of probate.      ·   Minimize Estate Taxes and other expenses;      Most people would plan their estate, if they had only a simple understanding of Probate, Living Trusts, and similar estate planning concepts.  It is with this goal in mind that we provide you with basic general information about estate planning in this website.  It is our hope that this information will empower you to make intelligent estate planning preparations and avoid putting your loved ones through unnecessary expenses and hassles.      What is Your Estate?      Your estate is comprised of everything you own including your home and other real estate, car, checking and savings bank accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments, IRAs, retirement benefits (401K), business interests, jewelry, personal belongings, and death benefits from any life insurance policies.  To determine the size of your estate add up the market value of all of these items and then subtract your debts and mortgages.  When all of this is added up you will probably find, to your pleasant surprise, that your estate is much larger than you ever thought.     Why Should You Have an Estate Plan?      First, your estate plan will set out who will receive your assets after you die with the least amount of legal fees and taxes.  Second, your estate plan should make adequate provisions for your minor children in the event of your untimely death.  Third, your estate plan should also protect you in the event of your incapacity which may tie up your assets in a protracted and expensive conservatorship proceeding in courts.  Fourth, a good estate plan will also implement your medical decisions and preference as to surgeries, medications, or life sustaining treatment (in the event of coma) and appointing the person whom you trust to make those life and death decisions on your behalf.

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