Glendale Probate Lawyers

Probate, Estate & Tax Services in Glendale, CA

When Benjamin Franklin said that nothing is certain “except death and taxes,” he knew certain things in life are unavoidable. We all know we have to deal with both, but many people avoid thinking about it.  Delaying action, though, can create problems for yourself and your heirs.

At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Port, our Glendale probate attorneys can create an estate plan that safeguards assets for your heirs, protect your ability to qualify for Medicaid, and reduce the stress of your family after you’re gone.

Attorney Mitch Port also has unique experience that he can bring to bear on any tax dispute or controversy, whether related to personal or business taxes. 

If you live in the Glendale area, contact us to help you prepare for the future. Call (310) 526-3433 to schedule a free phone consultation. 

Effective Guidance for Probate Administration

If you are the personal representative of an estate, probate can be a convoluted and challenging process. Certain processes and timelines must be followed. Probate can be a big job, especially if you have full-time work and other responsibilities.

If the decedent has real estate valued at more than $55,425 (as may be indexed) and personal property valued at more than $166,250, probate may be unavoidable.

Our Glendale probate attorneys know how to navigate the complexities of probate. Not only can we help ease your frustration, but we’ll also investigate and value assets and notify any creditors. Our Glendale probate lawyers will locate named heirs and can mitigate conflicts among family members. 

Comprehensive Counsel for Estate Planning in Glendale, CA

Having a will does not always equate to a comprehensive estate plan. Other tools are often necessary to protect assets for your heirs, avoid probate as much as possible, and establish your wishes should you become incapacitated.

In addition to a legally binding will, estate plans can also include the following:

• Living Trust. Trusts can hold a wide variety of assets: real estate, investments, collectibles, vehicles, and more. Some trusts help to shield assets from creditors and transfer the property to your heirs. Revocable living trusts can be changed or revoked during your lifetime. Irrevocable trusts can be changed but offer stronger tax and asset protection. 
• Durable Power of Attorney. There are different types of POA that are appropriate for specific situations. A general power of attorney has broad authority to make decisions for you, except for those involving your health care. A limited power of attorney has specific authority in defined situations such as signing transactional documents when you are out of town.
• Advance Health Care Directive. This document stipulates your health care preferences, including whether you want advanced measures to maintain life and whether you want to donate organs. The document is followed by physicians and family members. 

After understanding your wishes, other steps can be taken to meet your goals. Our Glendale attorneys can establish a conservatorship (or contest one), which can appoint someone who can make decisions on your behalf. If you have minor children, you should name a legal guardian in case you become unable to care for them. 

A special needs trust holds assets derived from a third party for a disabled person without the assets being considered their property. This type of trust is important so they can continue to qualify for state and federal benefits. Special needs trust don’t work this way for property inherited by the disabled person.