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Danville Estate Planning Attorney in Northern California

Barr & Douds is a highly respected estate planning law firm based in Danville, Northern California. With decades of experience, our team of attorneys provides personalized legal solutions to help clients protect their assets and plan for their future. Proceed to Estate Information Form or contact us for a free consultation now.

Trust Litigation Barr & Douds represents clients throughout Northern California and Contra Costa County, including Danville, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, and Oakland.

Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys in Danville, CA

Barr & Douds is a team of experienced estate planning attorneys in Danville, CA, committed to providing comprehensive legal services to clients seeking to protect their assets and plan for the future. Our attorneys work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and goals, and then develop personalized legal strategies to achieve them.

Estate planning has always been the foundation of our practice. From simple wills to complex trusts, we have drafted hundreds of estate plans for individuals and families in Danville and throughout the East Bay. We typically draft trusts, wills, powers of attorneys, advance health care directives, trust transfer deeds, and property assignments for our clients.

Our law firm already has a reputation for delivering high-quality legal services and exceptional client service, and our attorneys are known for their attention to detail and ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language. Whether you need help creating a basic will or navigating a complex estate planning issue, Barr & Douds can provide the legal guidance and support you need.

If you would like to get started, please complete our Estate Planning Form and we will call or email you to schedule an appointment with a Bay Area estate planning attorney.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of arranging and managing an individual’s assets during their lifetime and after their death. The goal of estate planning is to ensure that an individual’s assets are distributed according to their wishes and in a manner that minimizes taxes, fees, and legal disputes. An estate plan is a set of documents created to:

  • Ensure that your estate passes to your intended beneficiaries at your death;
  • Nominate the person who will administer your estate at your death;
  • Nominate someone to make medical and financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated;
  • Nominate a guardian to care for your minor children; and
  • Avoid or reduce estate taxes.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services We Provide in Danville, CA

At Barr & Douds, we offer a range of comprehensive estate planning services to clients in Danville, CA. We are committed to providing the best possible service to our clients, and dedicate our time to ensuring their satisfaction.

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Wills

Trusts

Living Wills & Advanced Directives

Power of Attorney

Trust Transfer Deeds

At Barr & Douds, we provide comprehensive will creation services to clients in Danville, CA. Our experienced will lawyers work hand-in-hand with our clients to understand their situations and wishes and help them create legally sound and effective wills. We advise clients on all aspects of will creation, including the selection of beneficiaries, the naming of an executor, and the distribution of assets. We also help clients understand the tax implications of their will and work to minimize any potential tax liabilities.

At Barr & Douds, we provide a range of trust-related services to clients in Danville, CA. Our trust-related services include:

  • Revocable Living Trusts: We help clients create revocable living trusts, which can be modified or revoked during their lifetime and are a flexible tool for managing assets and avoiding probate.
  • Irrevocable Living Trusts: We sometimes help clients create irrevocable living trusts, which may provide additional asset protection and tax benefits, but cannot be modified or revoked after creation.
  • Special Needs Trusts: We assist clients with the creation of special needs trusts, which provide for the long-term care and support of loved ones with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
  • Trust Administration: We provide guidance and support for clients serving as trustees, helping them understand their legal obligations and manage trust assets effectively.

At Barr & Douds, we provide comprehensive living wills and advance directive services to clients in Danville, CA. We work closely with clients to help them make important healthcare decisions in advance, ensuring that their wishes are respected in the event that they are unable to make those decisions themselves. We assist clients in creating legally sound documents, such as   advance directives, which appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf.

At Barr & Douds, we provide power of attorney services to clients in Danville, CA, which allow individuals to appoint a trusted individual to make important decisions on their behalf. Our experienced estate planning lawyers help clients plan and create legally sound documents, such as:

  • Financial Power of Attorney: We assist clients in creating financial powers of attorney documents, which appoint a trusted individual to manage their financial affairs in the event of incapacity or unavailability.
  • Medical Power of Attorney: We also help clients create medical power of attorney documents, which appoint a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on their behalf in the event of incapacity.

As dedicated lawyers, we make it a point to prioritize our clients’ needs over all else, working with them to ensure that their power of attorney documents accurately reflect their wishes.

At Barr & Douds, we provide trust transfer deed services to clients in Danville, CA. A trust transfer deed is a legal document that allows an individual to transfer the ownership of their real property to their living trust. By transferring ownership of the property to the trust, it can be managed and distributed according to the individual’s wishes, and avoid the probate process. Our experienced estate planning attorneys assist clients in creating trust transfer deeds that are legally sound and meet their unique needs.

Trust Administration

Choose an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney in Danville, CA

Complete our Estate Planning Information Form or contact us today to schedule a free consultation, with our experienced estate planning attorneys in Danville, CA.

Why You Need an Estate Plan in Northern California

Estate planning is a crucial process that everyone, regardless of age or wealth, should consider. An estate plan can provide peace of mind, ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and minimize tax liabilities and legal disputes. At Barr & Douds, we offer comprehensive estate planning services to clients in Northern California, including Danville.

Lifetime Planning

Lifetime planning is a crucial aspect of estate planning. It involves creating legal documents that outline your wishes in the event of incapacity or disability. These documents may include a durable power of attorney, which appoints a trusted individual to manage your financial and legal affairs, as well as a medical power of attorney that specifies your wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care.

Distributing Your Estate At Death

Distributing your estate at death is another important aspect of estate planning. This involves creating legal documents, such as a will or trust, that specify how your assets should be distributed after your passing. Without a proper estate plan, your assets may be subject to probate, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. With a well-crafted estate plan, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and that your loved ones are taken care of after your passing.

What Does The Estate Planning Process Include?

The estate planning process involves several steps to ensure that your assets are protected and your wishes are carried out in the event of your incapacity or passing. At Barr & Douds, our estate planning attorneys can develop personalized plans that meet the individual needs of our clients. The estate planning process may include:

  • Drafting a trust to specify how your assets should be distributed after your death.
  • Planning provisions for family members with special needs to ensure that they are provided for in the event of your incapacity or passing.
  • Minimizing legal fees and probate court costs to ensure that your assets are distributed efficiently and cost-effectively.
  • Naming an estate administrator and guardian for your children to ensure that they are taken care of according to your wishes.
  • Analyzing your life insurance and annuities to ensure that your beneficiaries are up-to-date.
  • Providing general counsel, reviewing, and updating your estate plan to ensure that it remains current and reflects your wishes.
  • A will or trust specifying who will receive your tangible personal items.

By working with an experienced estate planning attorney, you can ensure that your assets are protected and your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes.

What Else Should I Consider Before My First Estate Planning Appointment?

First, you should decide what individuals or charities you would like to name as beneficiaries of your estate. In addition, please consider the following:

  1. Who would you like to serve as your executor or trustee? This is the person who will collect the assets of your estate and distribute them to your beneficiaries. Married couples often name their spouse, followed by their adult children, although this is certainly not required.
  2. Who would you like to name to make financial decisions and health care decisions for you if you are incapacitated and unable to make these decisions yourself.
  3. If you have minor children, who would you like to nominate as Guardian of the Person and Guardian of the Estate? The Guardian of the Person takes physical custody of your children, while the Guardian of the Estate manages their funds until they become adults. The same person can serve in both these roles, or you can name different individuals.
  4. At our initial meeting, we will discuss your particular circumstances and determine what kind of estate plan is right for you. There is no charge if you decide not to hire us. If you would like us to represent you, we will give you a written fee agreement and typically require an initial deposit.

 

Trust Administration

Schedule a Consultation With a Danville Estate Planning Lawyer

Don't wait to plan for your future. Contact Barr & Douds today to schedule a consultation with a trusted Danville estate planning lawyer. We can provide the legal guidance and support you need for your estate planning.

What Factors Might Make My Estate Plan More Expensive?

  • An estate larger than the Applicable Exclusion Amount.
  • A second marriage or children from a prior marriage.
  • A complex disposition.
  • A large percentage of your net worth in IRAs, 401(k)s or other tax-deferred investments, partnerships, annuities, or a family business.
  • Multiple pieces of real estate.

Why Choose Our San Francisco Bay Area Estate Planning Attorneys?

Barr & Douds Attorneys is a reputable law firm providing estate planning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our experienced estate planning attorneys in Danville, CA have helped many clients achieve their estate planning goals. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Barr & Douds Attorneys as your estate planning lawyer:

  • Our estate planning attorneys in the Bay Area are knowledgeable about estate planning laws and regulations, ensuring that your estate plan is up-to-date and legally compliant.
  • We offer personalized attention and develop customized estate plans tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
  • Our attorneys are committed to providing high-quality services and delivering results that exceed your expectations.
  • We offer competitive pricing and transparent fee structures, so you know exactly what you will pay for our services.
  • Our attorneys are available to provide ongoing support and guidance, helping you navigate any changes to your estate plan in the future.
WE ARE READY TO HELP

Our Danville Estate Planning Lawyers

Loren Barr

Loren Barr

Partner
Nick Maxwell

Nick Maxwell

Senior Counsel
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Testimonials

I found that Graham Douds and Loren Barr are very professional. They listen with compassion and understanding. Graham is the best and I as ex-military found Loren, who is also an honorable Marine, a great person above reproach. Thank you guys for helping my Mother and I. God bless.
Frank Francisco M., Danville, CA
I was looking for some legal services for my daughter. Mr. Barr was kind enough to get on the phone and pointed me in the right direction without hesitation. Thank you.
Jim L., Walnut Creek, CA
I hired Loren Barr several months ago to help me as a beneficiary of my family trust. David Monsour was the attorney assigned to work with me. His work was outstanding. As with situations of this kind, my emotions ran wild at times and he was highly attentive, calm, strong, honest, respectful and responsive. I am very happy with the outcome of our work together and recommend this law office highly.
Lisa W., San Francisco, CA
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Trust Administration

Schedule a Consultation With an Estate Planning Attorney in Northern California

We become your attorneys after you have met with us, provided us with a completed Client Estate Information Form and any other necessary documents, and signed a written fee agreement. At our initial meeting, we will recommend a course of action and give you an estimated cost for the work to be performed.
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    FAQ

    Will I have to pay estate taxes?

    Estate taxes are an issue if your estate (or the combined estate of husband and wife) approaches the federal "Applicable Exclusion Amount." The "Applicable Exclusion Amount" is a complicated way of saying "the amount that the law says each person can give away - during lifetime or at death - without paying federal estate taxes." The Applicable Exclusion Amount for 2023 is $12,920,000 per person.

    How much does an estate plan cost in California?

    It depends on your particular circumstances. A complete estate plan for a married couple, including a Living Trust, usually costs about $3000-$4000.

    What documents should I bring to my initial appointment?

    Please bring a completed Client Estate Information Form, copies of your current Will or Trust, and copies of the grant deed to any real estate you own.

    What documents are typically included into estate plan?

    Estate plans usually include a Trust, a Will, a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs, and an Advance Health Care Directive. Estate plans for larger or more complex estates may include irrevocable or complex trusts.

    What is the role of the executor or trustee?

    The executor or trustee is the person (or persons, if you name cotrustees or coexecutors) who will collect all of the assets in your estate when you die, pay any taxes and creditors, and distribute the assets to your intended beneficiaries.