Sunday, October 27, 2013

An Estate Planning Attorney San Jose, California Is Available To Help

An Estate Planning Attorney San Jose, California Is Available To Help

By Rachael Gutierrez


Many people erroneously believe estate planning is simply about writing a will. There is much more to this process. Taxes, and financial, business and medical planning may all become part of the arrangement. Legal counsel will make sure everything is legally enforceable and optimal arrangements have been secured. An estate planning attorney San Jose, in the beautiful Silicon Valley will ably guide you through your planning needs.

The type of medical arrangements to consider will most likely include living wills and health care proxies. A health care proxy is a special kind of Power of Attorney that is used when a person is hospitalized and unconscious. In such a situation, this document covers personal wishes about subjects such as medications and medical procedures. A regular Power of Attorney is used for financial matters and is not applicable in such situations. A living will is another document that is drafted to convey personal instructions during a period of incapacity. Special circumstances must be triggered to bring this into effect. The lawyer you consult with will provide you with more information.

Making such arrangements is a smart decision irrespective of how much wealth is at stake. An uncommon existing situation needs special consideration. An individual with small holdings might only concentrate on matters of limited scope. These will basically designate heirs and appoint an executor to administer personal assets, pay obligations and make distributions. If significant possessions are at stake, a legal counselor will need to devise ways to decrease or defer tax duties and protect assets.

Professional assistance will be needed to sort out the situation where a potential for conflict may exist, or if an intended recipient needs help to manage personal affairs. An existing business will also be a complication. The value of any possession will be is equal to the fair market value, after deduction of debts. This value is relevant to determine whether estate and capital gains taxes will apply. To make sure there will be sufficient resources to pay these taxes is an important factor.

The tax amounts will vary according to the circumstances of each case. Property given to spouses, who are U. S. Citizens or to charitable causes are not taxed. Otherwise, any property exceeding five million dollars in value is subject to taxation by the Government. Unless Congress makes a change, in 2013, the exempted amount will be lowered to a million dollars worth of value. But, planning ahead may lower the eventual bill.

Making annual gifts not exceeding 13,000 dollars is one way to protect assets. College tuitions and medical insurance premiums are not taxable when paid directly. Certain types of owned possessions may be transferred directly to an heir. The consequence of such a transfer has substantial tax benefits and consequences that need to be discussed.

Making arrangements means taking into account many different tax consequences. Qualified counsel is essential to ensure a smooth transition takes place. Many plan details must be meticulously coordinated. A seasoned lawyer shall dispel any chance for unclear language or the potential for overturning any portions of the arrangement. An experienced counsel has the knowledge to craft an optimal plan.

If anyone fails to plan ahead, a judge will appoint someone to handle the case. Distributions will follow the prescribed rules of intestate succession. If you want to control what happens, advance planning is essential. An estate planning attorney San Jose, California is easily accessible to begin this process.




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