Find an Orange County Wills, Trusts & Estates Lawyer

The area of law called wills, trusts, and estates refers to a broad range of legal practices, many of which deal, in a way, with estates in Orange County. It includes subjects such as will contests, trust funds, estate oversight, and all of the legal issues which accompany these issues.

Wills, trusts, and estates law cases are often emotionally charged and difficult. A lawyer can provide their client with support during these difficult times. Wills, trusts, and estates law conflicts can also be complex and can involve many different areas of law at one time. For example, a trust case may include other issues such as estate distribution.

In many cases, wills, trusts, and estates lawyers specialize in an area of law, which can include trust fund creation. Although a lawyer specializes in a subcategory of wills, trusts, and estates law, they are able to handle issues that are related to the case.

Locating The Right Wills, Trusts, and Estates Law Attorneys Within Orange County

Wills, trusts, and estates law contains three main categories. The three categories include issues related to a will, issues involving a trust, and estate-related issues. Certain cases include issues from more than one subcategory of wills, trusts, and estates law.

Will formation can cause numerous legal matters to come up. In most states, wills must fulfill certain requirements to be valid. The requirements can include things such as the testator being of sound mind and over the age of majority, having the will correctly signed and dated, and having the will witnessed. The decedent must have had a valid will in place in order to avoid the probate process.

In many cases, trust creation and management is complex and typically involves many subcategories of wills, trusts, and estates law. Wills, trusts, and estates attorneys will help ensure their client’s rights are protected during the trust creation process. Wills, trusts, and estates attorneys can also help the testator in creating any additional estate documents which they may require or need.

Property can be passed on to relatives through a will distribution. A person who receives property in a will distribution is known as a beneficiary. A will distribution is different that other forms of property distribution, which include probate distributions or inter vivos gifts. Many times, a will contest stems from a will distribution. Will contests usually involve beneficiaries who are arguing over the terms of the will.

An issue that involves a will dispute is often contentious for all individuals. In some states, a will may contain a no-contest clause, meaning that if a beneficiary disputes the will, they cannot claim their inheritance. Otherwise, a will contest can be based on the testator's lack of mental capacity, an error in the will, fraud or duress, or ambiguous language in the will.

There are also other legal issues involving wills, trusts, and estates, which may include estate administration, duties of the executor, and will contests. Administration of an estate includes maintaining and distributing the individual's assets following their death. An estate includes the total of all a person's property and belongings.

Do I Need to Contact Orange County Wills, Trusts, & Estate Law Attorneys?

A wills, trusts, and estates lawyer will help you with your wills, trusts, and estates law issue that you may be facing. Claims which involve wills, trusts, and estates law are usually difficult. Your wills, trusts, and estates lawyer will provide you with guidance and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. LegalMatch is a free matching service where you have the ability to share your legal issue with attorneys and decide which one is the best fit for you.