Wills

The Pickford Law Office provides experienced legal representation in Wills and Probate matters to individuals living in Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City, Menifee, as well as  all Southwest Riverside County areas. You should make a will—or update your current will—if you were recently married or divorced, have kids, own property, or you want to figure out how to make a particular bequest to a friend or family member. I will assist you in drafting a new will or amend your current will to make sure your property is given out in accordance with your desires.

An estate planning attorney can also assist you by drafting a legal document that communicates your intentions and directives about health care and financial matters. This type of document is crucial in the unfortunate event you become unconscious or are otherwise unable to communicate. The attorneys at our office can work with you to draft documents including a living will, a medical power of attorney, and a financial power of attorney and appointment. These documents will make an enormous difference by helping your loved ones and doctors make decisions about your medical care if you cannot.

Probate

Estate matters often arise when someone dies with or without a will. These matters include substituting title to property and executing tax forms. Probate courts oversee the processes whereby legal title to property from the estate of the decedent (the person who has died) transfers to the beneficiaries. Probate courts also conduct proceedings to supervise the guardianships of minors and conservatorships of incapacitated adults. The attorneys at our firm are highly experienced in all probate matters.

If you lent money to someone who recently passed away, you may need to file a creditor's claim in Probate Court to obtain your money from his or her estate. It is important to get in touch with a probate attorney quickly if you have such a claim, as the law imposes strict time limits on this process.

Complications are not uncommon when property is transferred after death. I encourage you to meet with one of our probate attorneys to deal with these complications so you can focus your energy on caring for your loved ones during this difficult time.

Conservatorships and Guardianships

If you have a loved one who cannot care for him or herself or manage his or her property, you may wish to seek a conservatorship to ensure he or she receives the necessary care, and to make sure the property at issue is handled competently and professionally. Our attorneys can assist you with this process.

The probate court may establish a guardianship where a child is abandoned, abused, neglected, or the parents die. A guardianship appoints an adult other than the child's parent to care for the child and any property he or she may have. This is called a "probate guardianship," and the court will grant it only if the child is not otherwise involved in a juvenile or family court proceeding. In general, the responsibilities of a guardian are equal to those of a parent. He or she is responsible for the needs of the child, including education, medical care, and housing.

I encourage you to contact our firm if you have questions about a probate matter such as a conservatorship or a probate guardianship, if you live in the Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City, Menifee, or Southwest Riverside County areas. Our attorneys will sit down with you and discuss your unique situation, and determine your legal options.

If you live in the Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City, Menifee, or Southwest Riverside County areas, contact us online or call us at (951) 677-5156 to set up a free consultation to discuss estate planning and wills.