Los Angeles Probate Lawyer, Los Angeles Living Trusts Lawyer, Los Angeles Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration

..............................................................................................................

You have worked very hard to build your wealth. However, without the proper planning, many of the assets you have succeeded in acquiring can be taken away or taxed more heavily than necessary. By preparing for future unforeseen events, you can protect your wealth, your lifestyle, your heirs and estate. And, through a process known as Estate Planning you can make sure that you and your heirs are protected in the event of your incapacity, and then after your death. Estate Planning involves implementing several legal documents (tools) that your family can use to assist you in the event you cannot handle your own affairs. Then, those same tools can assist the family after you have passed away.

Every year, millions of dollars are spent on federal estate taxes, according to published figures from the Internal Revenue Service. But many of these taxes are incurred by families that just do not know the strategies to legally minimize or avoid such taxes and the similar taxes and probate fees imposed by many states. There are ways to reduce, or in some cases eliminate estate taxes, which will help eliminate the burden placed on heirs and estate owners. Furthermore, many inheritances, after depletion by such taxes and related costs, are then lost in personal or business litigation or in divorces. Some spendthrift heirs may need someone to manage that inheritance for their benefit.

According to recent date, that a first marriage will end in divorce or separation is 40 to 50 percent. Just as there are strategies and techniques to minimize taxation, there are equally powerful tools for protecting heirs from such creditor claims and lawsuits against them. Sometimes, giving your assets outright to your heirs is not necessarily the best option.

Attorney Robert Mansour specializes in the area of estate planning. Also, Robert can assist you with the following topics:

Avoiding or Dealing with Probate
Estate Planning
Wills
Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Advance Health Care Directives
HIPAA Authorizations
Community Property Agreements
Divorce Protection
Bypass/Credit Shelter Trusts
Disclaimer Trusts
Probate Avoidance Trusts
Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP)
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Probate
Trust Administration

Many clients are surprised to find that the process of estate planning can be incredibly interesting and some have described it as fun and fulfilling. Many clients feel very good after having gone through the process. They know their "house is in order."

Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning

Both the federal estate tax and generation skipping transfer tax laws are constantly changing. And, many states change their laws as well. Tax planning is an essential tool to help preserve an estate. Even if you have determined how the estate assets are to be distributed, without estate tax planning, the assets and properties left to your heirs and beneficiaries can be greatly impacted. Robert Mansour helps individuals reduce their tax liability. He works closely with his clients’ tax advisors, in order to help executors and trustees prepare their fiduciary income tax returns.

Protecting Heirs from Divorce and Litigation

For most estate owners, protecting their children and grandchildren from possible divorce litigation and creditor’s claims is a top priority. They do not want to leave their loved ones vulnerable to a claim to the assets they inherit. This goal can be accomplished through estate planning. Likewise, if you are expecting an inheritance, you may want to protect yourself from these types of divorce and creditor risks. Robert Mansour helps his clients protect their heirs through the use of various legal techniques and strategies.

Wills and Trusts

A legal will is designed to let your intentions be known and usually includes the entire estate. To avoid potential disputes among beneficiaries, a will should be carefully drafted by an attorney. A trust is also an essential estate planning tool that will detail how the estate will be distributed. Through the use of a trust, you have the ability to decide which beneficiaries are to receive certain assets and how these assets will be given. Robert Mansour specializes in helping clients with their wills and trusts and prepares these documents based on each individual circumstance.

Executor, Trustees and Probate

Administering an estate can be an overwhelming responsibility, especially when problems arise. Robert Mansour provides assistance to executors and trustees, to help ensure an effortless transfer of assets. When complications arise, Robert offers his expertise to limit liability exposure to beneficiaries and creditors and can successfully administer wills and trusts in probate court. Whenever possible, he will help to resolve or close estate and trust administrations through informal family settlement agreements or if necessary, through the court accounting process.

Contact Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for advice regarding your estate. He represents clients in Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, Castaic, Newhall, Stevenson Ranch, San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.