Estate planning is not just about managing wealth — it's about ensuring your loved ones are cared for, your final wishes are honored, and your legacy is protected. Whether you are planning for the distribution of assets, charitable donations, or setting up guardianship for minor children, a well-crafted estate plan can address all your concerns.
Nicholas P. Terwilliger offers expert estate planning services tailored to your unique needs, helping you avoid unnecessary legal complications, reduce taxes, and ensure a smooth transition of assets after you pass. With over 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Terwilliger provides personalized guidance to ensure your estate is managed and distributed according to your wishes.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging the management and distribution of your assets in the event of your death or incapacitation. A comprehensive estate plan includes legal documents that outline your wishes regarding property, guardianship, healthcare decisions, and more. At The Law Office of Nicholas Terwilliger, we provide a range of estate planning services, including the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Last Will & Testament
A last will and testament is a legal document that specifies how you want your assets to be distributed upon your death. It allows you to appoint an executor, name beneficiaries, and establish guardianship for minor children. Without a will, your estate may be subject to California's intestacy laws, which may not reflect your personal wishes. We work with clients to draft clear, legally binding wills that protect their interests and ensure their legacy is preserved.
Probating an Estate
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets according to its terms. If you are an executor of an estate, navigating probate can be complex and time-consuming. Our experienced legal team provides legal counsel throughout the probate process, helping executors fulfill their duties and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. We guide you through the steps of asset distribution, creditor claims, and any potential disputes, ensuring that the process is as smooth as possible.
Will Contests & Probate Litigation
Sometimes, disputes arise over the validity of a will or the distribution of assets. If you are facing a will contest or probate litigation, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation. Our dedicated legal team has extensive experience handling estate disputes and can help you resolve conflicts over contested wills, inheritance claims, and executor responsibilities.
Power Of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This may include financial, legal, or healthcare decisions. Establishing a durable power of attorney ensures that someone you trust has the authority to manage your affairs and carry out your wishes in the event of an emergency. We help clients set up POA arrangements that are clear, enforceable, and tailored to their needs.
Living Trust
A living trust is a popular estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and transfer them directly to beneficiaries after your death, without going through probate. This can help you avoid the time, expense, and public nature of the probate process. Our team works with clients to create living trusts that ensure a seamless transition of assets while maintaining privacy and reducing tax burdens.
Why Choose Nicholas P. Terwilliger?
At The Law Office of Nicholas Terwilliger, we are dedicated to helping clients in Los Angeles and throughout California create personalized estate plans that protect their assets, secure their legacies, and provide for their loved ones. Whether you need a simple will or a complex trust, our firm provides the expert guidance and compassionate support you need.
Contact us at (323) 792-3555 today to schedule a consultation and start planning for the future. Let us help you create an estate plan that gives you peace of mind and ensures your final wishes are honored.
