Wills &
Trusts
250+FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
Are you wondering whether your property and assets demand an estate plan?
It’s hard to think about what would happen to your assets and loved ones if something happened to you. The reality is, most people put off their estate planning until something drastic happens, or even worse, never get around to it at all, thus leaving it to the courts to sort out. The good news is that you don’t have to live your life with the anxiety of knowing your loved ones and assets are at risk because you’ve put off your planning. You can make getting an estate plan in place a priority, and enjoy the benefits of living with peace of mind.
The Laguna Beach estate planning attorneys at Meier Law Firm will help you get through the process of setting up all the elements of an estate plan—from establishing a will and trust to setting up medical directives and powers of attorney. More importantly, they will be there to help guide your family not just for now, but also for the years to come.
Contact us to book a planning session for your estate. We’ll walk you through every step and be with you throughout the process.
In its 2020 report, Data USA found that the median income in Laguna Beach households was $128,099 in 2020. This slightly declined year over year from 2019’s median income of $129,983 in Surf City. Laguna Beach had a 63.5% homeownership rate in 2020, a decrease of less than 1% from 2019’s homeownership rate of 64.3%. However, property values in Laguna Beach increased year-over-year, with 2020’s median property value sitting at $1.87 million versus the 2019 median property value of $1.77 million.
Since the U.S. average for property values sat at $229,800 in 2020, home values in Laguna Beach tend to be more than eight times that of the national average. Residents’ home values and income play an essential part in advanced estate planning in Laguna Beach. When property values and income exceed a certain amount, the possibility of your estate being forced through probate when you’ve passed is much more likely. Furthermore, the cost of probate increases based on your level of assets.
Ensure your loved ones are protected from the exhausting and costly probate process. Contact your Lagune Beach estate planning lawyers today so you can protect your assets and loved ones.
When you have significant or complex assets or minor dependents in your care, estate planning needs to be a priority. It will not only ensure your wishes are carried out when you can no longer manage yourself or your estate, but an estate plan will also secure your assets for your loved ones’ future. Not sure where to start? The good news is that you don’t have to handle the whole estate planning process alone. You can get all the information and help you need from local experts that understand your unique situation.
Here are some valuable resources related to estate planning in Laguna Beach.
Taxes… they’re never fun, are they? The reality is, though, that your taxes could negatively impact your estate if they’re mishandled. Get your ducks in a row by letting a tax planning professional handle all your questions and documents.
RMJR Tax and Accounting is a boutique tax firm that can handle complex tax situations to help get your income taxes, business taxes, and any tax implications of your assets under control.
RMJR Tax and Accounting
465 Forest Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 403-7800
Do you know the value of your home and any business or vacation properties you own? For an estate plan to be effective, you need to know the value of all your assets. Getting your real estate holdings appraised will give you an accurate picture of your assets and holdings. CMP Appraisals can handle residential and commercial property appraisals, so you can adequately address your estate planning documents.
CMP Appraisals
30100 Town Center Dr.
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 388-4943
One way to maximize your holdings and ensure your loved ones are cared for is to have them adequately managed to facilitate growth. The team at WCM Investment Management aims to manage your investments with the goal of sustainable long-term returns so that your family will be secure in the future.
WCM Investment Management
281 Brooks St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 380-0200
When it comes to resources in estate planning, arguably the most valuable one available is an experienced estate planning attorney in Orange County. An expert lawyer will use their extensive knowledge of California estate planning laws to assist with asset protection planning, trust administration, business succession planning, and other estate planning needs.
At Meier Law Firm, we specialize in the following estate planning services:
Planning for your family’s future after you’re gone can be a complicated process fraught with emotions and stress.
At Meier Law Firm, we understand the concern that naturally comes with estate planning, and we’re here to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible. We can customize estate plans to meet the needs of our clients’ unique situations so that their wishes can be carried out when they can no longer manage their affairs.
If you need a Laguna Beach estate planning lawyer, contact our team of attorneys at Meier Law Firm and schedule a planning session. You can also visit our office at 450 Newport Center Dr. #625, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Our overall experience was one of satisfaction as well as a learning experience. The people at The Meier Law Firm are extremely knowledgeable within Family Trust planning. They did a good job of explaining each step of the process in a manner that we could understand. They were always punctual when meeting with us, and the meetings were always concise and comforting. They were also pleasant and friendly.
My brother had lost his living trust documents. Suddenly, we found out he has stage 4 cancer. We called Meier and they were able to put together an updated trust in less than a week. Everyone at the firm was wonderful and caring. Melanie was our attorney. If you are looking for a caring, honest law firm, Meier is the one for you!
Our experience with the Meier Law Firm was positive from our first meeting with Jessica, through the final product we received last week. Very professional yet personable. Every question was answered & suggestions made to simplify our Trusts. Their attention to detail gave us confidence in their work.
We were introduced to Meier Law Firm through a learning session at our daughter’s school district. We eventually decided to establish a family trust, as well as a special needs trust, through their firm. The team at Meier Law Firm were professional and incredibly responsive to our family’s needs. I highly recommend their legal services.
Just thinking about creating a trust or a will can be overwhelming. But Meier Law Firm makes it easy. They tell you what you need to know, ask all of the right questions, & provide great practical suggestions along the way that go far beyond the legal checklist. Highly recommend them for personal, professional service to deliver what you need in a timely manner.
Not only do they provide expert guidance; they will walk the journey with you step-by-step to help with your family trust. They execute at high levels, are very responsive, and deliver the optimal results within difficult situations. You definitely want Meier Law Group on your side of the table. I give my highest recommendation!
Here are some of the main ways we help our clients. Not sure where to start? Book your planning session.
Join a live webinar, register for an in-person event or invite Laura and Josh to speak at your company event.
In Good Parents Worry, Great Parents Plan, estate planning attorney and mother Laura Meier shows you the legal and practical steps you must take to protect your children from temporary foster care, courtrooms, loss of inheritance, and other turmoil most kids experience when their parents pass away.
“Laura Meier’s The Family Nest Egg gives parents the tools they need to find confidence, stop worrying, and secure the financial future for their loved ones. Laura’s real-life stories and actionable advice make this read a trustworthy resource for budgeting, investing, and preparing for a financial crisis.”
Probate is a court process that ensues after a loved one’s death and aims to settle the deceased individual’s estate, if they did not pass their assets through other means like a trust, joint ownership, or beneficiary designation. Probate court is triggered if there is more than $166,250 that was not passed through those other means.. The probate process can be lengthy and costly, but there are estate planning strategies that can prevent this.
The most efficient way to avoid probate in California is to have a living trust. There are a few different types of trusts—including revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts—but their primary purpose is to hold any property or assets you want to be secured for the future and and protected from going through probate.
The following is a short list of assets you should consider addressing within your estate plan:
Regarding probate law, there are some scenarios where an estate planning case may go to court. Some examples of probate litigation include instances where the deceased does not have an official will, or there are challenges to the validity of the existing will.
Virtual and in-person appointments available.
