Wills &
Trusts
250+FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
Time truly waits for no one.
So why should you wait to make your estate plan?
You can create a plan that will live on with the assistance of experienced Palo Alto estate planning lawyers. People frequently encounter various problems and complications when navigating the process of creating, handling, and maintaining an estate plan, estate assets, estate administration, business succession planning, and other related matters.
Fortunately, we at the Meier Law Firm are skillful, competent, and educated about all potential issues and difficulties. Our law practice is here to ease the burden with compassion and care.
Book a planning session with an experienced estate planning attorney today.
According to Data USA, the median income in Palo Alto is $174,003. This average only increased in the past year. Residents certainly invest in properties, as the average home in Palo Alto is $2,000,000. Amassing wealth to this level is something to be proud of, as this property value is about 8 times the national property value.
We understand—nobody enjoys imagining what will happen when they are no longer here. However, the truth is that having a plan in place could shield your loved ones from stress and financial loss they will no doubt experience if they are forced to go through probate. Safeguard your loved ones, property and possessions now by creating a plan today. Speak with an accomplished Palo Alto estate planning lawyer right away.
The Meier Law Firm is your one-stop law firm for the estate planning process.
We offer all estate planning services at Meier Law Firm:
Has anything caught your eye? Then, it’s time to book your estate planning session.
We believe in protecting those who are the most vulnerable. An adult in California is given the legal authority to make choices for a loved one with special needs through a limited conservatorship. Consult with one of our knowledgeable Palo Alto conservatorship attorneys if you’re thinking about a conservatorship for your young adult child with special needs.
Even with good medical insurance to cover any urgent medical needs, you or a loved one might not be ready for a prolonged disability that requires specialized medical care. Medicare coverage does not cover skilled nursing home care for the long-term, and Medi-Cal only assists the extremely poor. Some people don’t know the implications of other estate planning on their Medi-Cal eligibility.
The Palo Alto estate planning attorneys specializing in elder care can assist you in making plans to safeguard your assets with a proper estate plan if the health of a loved one deteriorates and long-term care if needed.
We can find a trust structure that suits your lifestyle, needs, and wishes. Here are a few options you could consider.
The trust’s assets are available for use by the trustor for as long as they live. The assets pass to the chosen beneficiaries following the death of the trustor. Living trusts typically avoid probate court, one of their main advantages.
Usually, a person’s will establishes a testamentary trust. After drafting a final will and testament, estate executors frequently create a testamentary trust. They comprise an arrangement designed for the beneficiary’s advantage following the trustor’s passing.
Here, the trustor names a non-profit organization as the beneficiary of a charitable trust. Think of charities you donate to in your lifetime. Olive Crest, Unlimited Possibilities, California State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation, and CSULB 49er Foundation can be named beneficiaries. Named assets will be given to the organization after your passing.
In an irrevocable trust, the creator establishes a trust that cannot be changed or amended during the trustor’s lifetime. The tax efficiency of irrevocable trusts is higher than in a revocable trust, and irrevocable trusts can allow you to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits even if you have money.
The main advantage of revocable living trusts is that they can be altered, revoked, or terminated by the trustor during their lifetime. The trust assets will be distributed to additional beneficiaries after the decedent’s passing.
A trust is the preferred alternative to a will in most circumstances, since a will does not avoid the California probate process.. When you speak to a Palo Alto estate planning attorney, bring a list of your assets. An expert California trust attorney will advise you on the best course of action.
191 N First St.
San Jose, CA 95113
Taxes are a major consideration when making estate planning decisions. From yearly income tax filing to tax guidance on your business holdings, Redmond Accounting Inc. can assist you with all of your tax issues.
Redmond Accounting Inc.
655 Oak Grove Ave #996,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Knowing the value of all your assets and property is one component of estate planning. To ensure that your estate plan is created with appropriate property value information, the experts at Appraisals Only can assist with the appraisal of your home and other properties.
Appraisals Only
San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 229-1169
You must manage assets if you want to ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of for years to come. To guarantee that your wealth continues to increase steadily for the benefit of the following generation, you can get advice on investments and your financial situation from the specialists at Palo Alto Wealth Advisors.
Palo Alto Wealth Advisors
715 Colorado Ave., Suite A
Palo Alto, CA 94303
450 Newport Center Drive #625
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Appointments can be made both online and in person. We serve clients all over California, including in:
If interested, attend a live webinar, sign up for an in-person event, or ask Laura and Josh to speak at a corporate event. Our Palo Alto estate planning legal team is second to none. We are knowledgeable about estate planning law and have a solution for any concerns you may have.
Contact this Palo Alto estate planning firm to start estate planning.
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.”
You can usually designate someone as the beneficiary for your house so long as you do not own that home jointly with another person. Ask your Palo Alto estate planning attorney more about this.
Without a plan, California intestacy laws determine how your assets will be distributed. This will exclude non-family members altogether and certain family members if you have a spouse and children. It also requires your family to go through a long and expensive court process known as probate to inherit your assets.
In Palo Alto, California, adopted children are treated the same as biological children. Your inheritance is secured under Cal. Prob. Code § 6451.
Virtual and in-person appointments available.
