Estate Planning Lawyer Tim Mishler is a Certified Specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law through the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. This designation recognizes Mr. Mishler as an expert in this field. By providing caring, experienced legal advice and representation, he can help you implement effective estate planning devices to protect your hard-earned assets, while minimizing tax liabilities for yourself and future generations. In practice since 1991, Attorney Tim Mishler has extensive experience helping individuals and couples create comprehensive estate plans that best meet their unique needs. Our estate planning law firm can help you create, review, update or challenge a will, trust, conservatorship, and guardianship. Contact Attorney Mishler at (626) 357-3223 to schedule an appointment for a complimentary in- office consultation. Estate Planning Lawyer in Monrovia A highly qualified estate planning attorney who provides skilled representation and knowledgeable advice to clients seeking to establish comprehensive estate plans, Mr. Mishler will meet with you to evaluate your finances and goals. Working together, we will craft an estate plan that will ensure that your wishes are carried out upon incapacity or death. We provide a broad range of estate planning services, including drafting and implanting a variety of estate planning tools that may include: • Planning for Your Future • Advanced Health Care Directives • Asset Protection Strategies • Charitable Trusts • Designation of a Guardian for Minor Children • Dynasty Trusts • Estate Administration • Gift Planning • Irrevocable Trusts • Medi-Cal Trusts • Minimizing Tax Liability • Powers of Attorney • Preparation of Wills • Revocable Living Trusts • Special Needs Trusts By utilizing a variety of estate planning techniques, Monrovia Attorney Tim Mishler can help you with the following: • Maintain control of your assets during your life and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes upon death. • Ensure the assets you bequeath or devise to your heirs and beneficiaries are protected from creditors’ claims. • Make provisions for long-term care should you become ill or incapacitated, while protecting your hard-earned assets from being depleted. • Minimize estate taxes. • Ensure effective estate administration and help your loved ones navigate the probate process and settle your estate as quickly as possible. A seasoned lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience helping hundreds of clients create customized estate plans, Monrovia Lawyer Tim Mishler works closely with his clients. He will carefully explain all of your options so you have the information necessary to make informed, intelligent decisions that will enable you to preserve and protect your assets.

FAQ

1. How is a Will Different from a Trust? When a comprehensive estate plan is drafted and executed properly, it acts to protect assets for future generations, legally assert your wishes, and empower your legacy to benefit your beneficiaries. This kind of comprehensive estate plan reaches farther than the simple will-and-trust combination that many individuals use. The estate planning process can utilize legal methods of reducing the taxes that would otherwise burden the estate and beneficiaries. To better protect assets, advance business and other legal goals, and create your legacy, a comprehensive estate plan is usually appropriate. Depending on the size and assets included in the estate, your estate planning attorney may recommend a will, trust, power of attorney, healthcare directives, or business succession plan. Some trusts can be implemented while you are still living. Living trusts offer immediate advantages for you while still providing for your loved ones after you pass away. 2. Is it Necessary to have a Will in California? In a word, yes. It is necessary to have a will if you wish for your loved ones and/or a designated charitable organization to receive assets or other benefits resulting from your life’s work. Wills direct how your assets are distributed after your death. Whether an individual has many or few assets, it is advisable that they establish their Last Will and Testament. This will enforce your wishes regarding how your financial accounts, possessions, and any property will be distributed to the beneficiaries of your choice. A will can also serve to name a guardian for your minor children. If there is no will in existence when you pass away, the state will direct how your assets are handled. The probate code of California directs that assets be evaluated, appraised, and distributed according to intestate succession laws. These laws determine who inherits your assets based on a beneficiary hierarchy. It does not give consideration to the relationship you had with the relative. This is one reason that a will is the first part of the estate planning process. By itself, a will does not fully protect your estate. But without it, devastating consequences could affect your family. 3. How can a living trust benefit my family and me? When a trustor establishes a trust, it can provide immediate benefits while also providing for beneficiaries after they inherit the estate. A revocable trust (also called a living trust) is effective as soon as it is created and funded. The trustor can name a trustee for managing the trust. The trustor will usually name themselves as the trustee. It is also necessary to designate a successor trustee to care for matters after you pass away. Funding a trust properly will involve titling financial accounts, property, and other assets so they are included in the trust. At that time, the trust is then the actual owner of such assets. Due to the fact that the trust owns the assets, the tax implications will differ from when the trustor or their estate was the owner. Estate taxes and gift taxes will be reduced or essentially eliminated for beneficiaries. Creating a trust can also provide immediate peace of mind due to these matters being taken care of proactively. 4. How should I choose a trustee? The trustee will manage the trust and have fiduciary duties bound by law and the mandates of the trust. Careful consideration should therefore be given when choosing your trustee. The proper performance of a trustee is key to the success of the trust and the estate plan overall. The trustee must be designated when the trust is created. Because of the great responsibility entailed in being a trustee, it is important for them to take their duties seriously. They also should have a good understanding of the family dynamics that could surface later and create drama or pressure. This will help the trustee to continue upholding the directives of the trust. Many trustors choose a trust administration lawyer or other professional as their trustee to ensure matters will be handled appropriately. Contact a Knowledgeable Estate Planning Attorney in Monrovia For information about the Estate Planning Services offered by the Law Office of Timothy G. Mishler, please fill out our Case Evaluation Form. We will contact you to schedule a free, confidential consultation. For immediate assistance, contact us today at (626) 357-3223. Conveniently located in Monrovia, we represent clients throughout the region.