Search Site
Menu
Wills

Estate Planning Attorney Handling Wills in Sacramento

Drafting, reviewing and revising wills for proper estate planning

At the Bedell Law Office, we believe that proper estate planning goes hand in hand with proper will drafting. Our experienced estate planning attorney has guided numerous middle-aged and newly retired Californians through the process of protecting their assets and estates for future generations. We work closely with you to clarify matters such as death taxes and asset protection, and then draft a comprehensive will with you and your heirs’ best interests in mind. Dying without a will leaves the distribution of your wealth and assets up to the law — let the Bedell Law Office help you prepare ahead.

Why do I need a will and what are the requirements?

While middle-aged and elderly people generally seek wills more often than younger people, estate planning is prudent for people of any age. A highly effective technique of asset protection, a will is a written document that explains how an individual wants their property to be disposed of after they die. A will nominates an Executor to handle the process of settling all obligations of the deceased and distributing the deceased’s estate. If you have minor children, your will should also nominate a guardian to take care of them. Regardless of your circumstances, a will mitigates the potential for legal, financial and tax consequences to be passed onto to your heirs. In addition to other techniques such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, a will is the cornerstone of any thorough estate plan.

Sacramento lawyer Jeffrey Bedell ensures your will is valid by addressing all of California’s requirements for a will, including:

  • The will’s creator must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind
  • The will must be clearly worded and readable
  • The will must appoint at least one person as the executor
  • The will must be dated
  • The will must be signed in front of at least two non-beneficiary witnesses who attest to that fact by their own signatures.

What happens to my estate if I die without a will?

When a person dies without a will or with an invalid will in the state of California, the person is said to have died “intestate.” The distribution of the estate and assets of someone who died intestate is—because no will exists to dictate otherwise—left up to the law. The Probate Office or District Probate Registry issues permission of distribution responsibilities to an administrator. After all debts and expenses associated with the estate have been deducted, the estate is then distributed according to several factors involving spousal or civil partner arrangements. If you die intestate and you and your deceased spouse or domestic partner have no living heirs, the state of California claims your property. Drafting a thorough will can protect your loved ones from probate administration or intestate matters.

Protect your assets and preserve your legacy

The Bedell Law Office helps individuals and couples of all ages and backgrounds prepare ahead with a properly drafted will. We address all your concerns and ensure your assets benefit those whom you want them to benefit. Call 916-473-1067 or contact us online for your initial consultation. We make it our priority to respond to emails and phone calls within 24 hours.

Contact us

Please fill out the form below and one of our attorneys will contact you.

Quick Contact Form

Office Location
  • Sacramento Office
    333 University Avenue
    Suite 200
    Sacramento, California 95825
    Phone: 916-473-1067
    Fax: 916-476-8658
Awards