Probate is the legal process of administering an individual’s estate after their death. This involves verifying the validity of the will, identifying and appraising assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process, and assets are typically frozen during this time.

There are several different types of trusts your estate planning lawyer may recommend. One of the most common is a living trust. An important benefit of a trust is that the assets in the trust are not required to go through the probate process so the beneficiary of the trust owns and has access to those assets upon your death. However, you can also specify certain stipulations for those assets and when the beneficiary can access them if you feel it would be in their best interest to have some controls in place. A trust can also provide protection for assets against creditors or lawsuits.

Estate plans should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they reflect any changes in an individual’s personal or financial circumstances. This can include changes in marital status, the birth or adoption of children, the acquisition or sale of assets, or changes in tax laws.

While it is possible to create a basic estate plan without an attorney, it is generally recommended to work with an experienced Lithia estate planning lawyer. A lawyer can provide guidance on the most effective estate planning strategies, ensure that all documents are legally valid and enforceable, and help to avoid any potential legal or tax issues.