A Review of Roles Assigned in a California Estate Plan

 Posted on June 24, 2024 in Estate Planning

An estate plan is an excellent way to help you and your loved ones in the future. It is an opportunity for you to take time while you are able and decide how exactly you would like your estate to be handled and what medical measures you would want to be enacted if you ever become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions or voice your opinions. It can be daunting, but sitting down and creating an organized plan to address everything now is like giving your future self and your loved ones an incredible gift because it reduces confusion and stress down the line. This article will explain the various people you will need to appoint in your estate plan. If you think it is time to start working on an estate plan, speak with a qualified Los Angeles, CA estate planning attorney to learn more.

Who Do You Need to Appoint?

As you begin drafting your estate plan, there are several people you need to assign roles to, including:

• Trustee: If you want some of your assets to be distributed to any beneficiaries without them needing to go through the probate process, you can establish a trust. If you do this,  you will need to appoint a trustee. This person is responsible for managing your trust and distributing the assets in the trust based on how you said you wanted them to be distributed.
• Executor: If you want any part of your estate left for anyone after your death, you need to appoint an estate executor who will act as your representative during the probate process and as your will is administered. This person is also responsible for resolving any remaining debts. You might also consider appointing an alternative executor if the original executor cannot carry out their responsibilities at your death.
• Attorney-in-fact: Otherwise known as the agent, an attorney-in-fact has the authority to make decisions for you about your healthcare and estate if you become incapacitated. 
• Guardian for minor children: If you have young children, you might appoint someone to act as their guardian if you become incapacitated. This allows you to put them in the care of someone you trust before it is too late for you to make such a decision.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an L.A. County, CA Estate Planning Lawyer

If you are interested in preparing for the future, speak with a dedicated Los Angeles, CA estate planning attorney to understand what is involved. At Law Office of David Schechet, we understand how difficult it is to contemplate your death or incapacitation, and we guide our clients through this emotionally challenging process with compassion and experience. Call us at 800-282-4731 to schedule a free consultation.