A Last Will and Testament is a foundational estate planning document that lets you specify how your assets will be distributed, name guardians for minor children, and identify who will handle your estate after you pass. For residents of Spring Valley Lake and surrounding communities, having a clear and legally effective will can reduce stress for loved ones and provide guidance when it matters most. This page outlines what a will does, how it interacts with trusts and other estate planning tools, and what to consider when creating or updating your will to reflect life changes, property holdings, and family circumstances.
Many individuals delay creating a will because the process feels overwhelming or emotionally charged, but having a will in place is a practical step that can prevent unnecessary disputes and legal hurdles. Whether you own real estate, retirement accounts, insurance policies, or personal belongings, a properly drafted will helps ensure your intentions are honored. This section explains common provisions, options for appointing an administrator, and how a will coordinates with beneficiaries designated in financial accounts and with any trust documents you may have established previously.
A Last Will and Testament provides clear directions about asset distribution, guardianship, and final wishes, reducing ambiguity during a difficult time for survivors. Having a will can streamline the probate process, help avoid family disagreements about intentions, and ensure that those you trust are empowered to manage your estate. For parents, naming a guardian for minor children is often the most important provision. In situations involving blended families, business ownership, or special financial arrangements, a well-crafted will coordinates with other planning documents to protect your legacy and provide peace of mind to those you leave behind.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides practical estate planning services to clients in Spring Valley Lake and across San Bernardino County. With a focus on thoughtful planning and clear communication, the firm helps individuals create Last Wills and Testaments that reflect personal goals while complying with California law. Services include drafting wills, coordinating with existing trusts, preparing related documents such as powers of attorney and health care directives, and offering guidance through probate when necessary. The approach emphasizes personalized solutions tailored to each client’s family dynamics, financial situation, and long-term intentions.
A Last Will and Testament is a legal declaration of your wishes for asset distribution, guardianship of minor children, and appointment of an administrator to manage your estate. In California, a will must meet certain formalities to be valid, including being signed and witnessed according to state rules. Wills can be simple or detailed, and they should be reviewed when major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant changes in assets. This section explains common will provisions, the relationship between wills and beneficiary designations, and how a will functions within a broader estate plan.
When creating a will, you decide who inherits property, who pays debts and taxes, and who manages the distribution of remaining assets. A will does not necessarily avoid probate, but it gives a clear record of your intentions that courts use to administer the estate. Probate requirements in California vary by estate size and property type, so planning choices such as jointly held property, payable-on-death designations, or trust arrangements can influence whether probate is needed. Regular updates help keep the will aligned with current circumstances and reduce the likelihood of disputes among heirs.
A Last Will and Testament sets forth your wishes for distribution of probate assets, appointment of an administrator or personal representative, and nomination of guardians for minor children. It typically covers personal property, real estate held solely in your name, and assets without beneficiary designations. A will does not govern assets held in a living trust, accounts with beneficiary designations, or jointly owned property that passes by right of survivorship. Understanding these distinctions helps you decide whether a will alone is sufficient or if additional planning tools are needed to achieve your objectives and minimize delays or costs for your family.
Essential elements of a will include an introductory statement identifying the testator, clear beneficiary designations, instructions for distribution of assets, appointment of a personal representative, and any guardianship nominations for minor children. Additional provisions may address specific bequests, contingency plans if designated beneficiaries predecease you, and instructions regarding funeral or charitable wishes. After a will is executed, the personal representative may need to file the will with the probate court to begin administration. Keeping records, communicating intentions to trusted individuals, and reviewing the will periodically helps ensure the document remains effective and aligned with current laws and family circumstances.
Familiarity with common estate planning terms helps you make informed decisions. This glossary covers terms you will encounter when drafting a will or administering an estate, including roles, legal processes, and document types. Understanding words like beneficiary, personal representative, probate, and testamentary capacity can clarify expectations and simplify discussions with legal counsel. Clear definitions reduce confusion and empower you to tailor provisions to your unique circumstances, whether you are naming guardians, planning for tax implications, or coordinating wills with trusts and beneficiary designations.
A testator is the person who creates and signs a Last Will and Testament, expressing their intentions regarding property distribution and appointments. In California, a valid will requires the testator to have the mental capacity to understand the nature and extent of their assets and the effect of the will. The testator’s wishes are central to probate administration if the will is submitted to court. Regular reviews and updates by the testator, particularly after significant life events, help ensure the will accurately reflects current intentions and minimizes the potential for disputes after the testator’s death.
A personal representative, sometimes called an executor in other jurisdictions, is the person named in a will to manage the estate administration process under court supervision when required. Responsibilities include locating assets, paying valid debts and taxes, filing necessary documents with the probate court, and distributing remaining assets according to the will. Selecting a reliable and organized personal representative is important because they must act in the best interests of the estate and beneficiaries, keep accurate records, and comply with court timelines and legal obligations throughout the administration process.
A beneficiary is an individual or entity designated to receive assets or property from a will, trust, or other financial account. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charitable organizations, or institutions. Designations within a will may be primary or contingent, indicating alternative recipients if a primary beneficiary is unable to inherit. It is important to review beneficiary designations periodically and coordinate them with instructions in a will and in any trust documents, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies to maintain consistency and ensure your intended distribution plan is carried out.
Probate is the court-supervised process for validating a will, settling debts, and distributing probate assets to beneficiaries. The scope and duration of probate in California depend on the estate’s size, the complexity of assets, and whether disputes arise among heirs. Probate can involve court filings, notice to creditors and beneficiaries, inventorying estate property, and obtaining court approval for distributions. While some assets pass outside probate through beneficiary designations or trusts, a clear will simplifies probate administration for assets that must go through the court process and provides a legal framework to resolve questions about your intentions.
Choosing between a will and other planning tools like living trusts depends on your goals, assets, and privacy preferences. A will governs probate assets and allows guardianship nominations, while a living trust may avoid probate for assets titled in the trust’s name and provide more private administration. Other options, such as beneficiary designations and payable-on-death accounts, transfer assets outside probate but may not address guardianship matters. Evaluating these options together helps create a coordinated plan that balances cost, convenience, and control over how assets are managed and distributed after death.
A straightforward Last Will and Testament can be appropriate for individuals whose assets are modest and who have clear, uncomplicated beneficiary designations. If most assets pass through beneficiary designations, joint ownership, or are otherwise nonprobate, a simple will may provide necessary backup instructions without requiring more complex arrangements. For those with a small estate and no need to avoid probate for privacy or administrative reasons, a clear will combined with up-to-date account beneficiary forms can offer an efficient planning solution that ensures intentions are documented and guardianship nominations are in place for minor children.
If avoiding probate is not a priority and your primary concern is naming a guardian or specifying beneficiaries for a modest estate, a will may be perfectly adequate. When assets are limited or already have designated beneficiaries, the will functions as an important record of your wishes without the expense and administration associated with trust-based plans. Periodic reviews are still important to confirm that beneficiary designations and the will align with current circumstances, especially after changes in relationships, finances, or the addition of children or other dependents.
Comprehensive planning is often recommended when families include blended relationships, minor children from multiple marriages, complex business interests, or significant real estate holdings. In these situations, coordination among wills, trusts, retirement accounts, and business succession arrangements can prevent unintended outcomes and reduce the potential for disputes. A tailored plan helps manage tax considerations, protect beneficiaries with special needs, and ensure business continuity. Taking a coordinated approach can reduce the administrative burden on survivors and create clearer pathways for asset management and inheritance.
When privacy is a priority or you want to avoid probate for certain assets, trust-based planning and other estate tools can provide a more discreet and efficient transfer of property. Trusts can offer ongoing management for beneficiaries who need assistance or protection, reduce court involvement, and help streamline distributions. For those with more complex assets or who anticipate long-term needs, a comprehensive plan that combines wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives ensures that both financial and personal wishes are documented and actionable in a variety of circumstances.
A coordinated estate plan aligns wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney to create a cohesive strategy for managing and transferring assets. This approach reduces the risk of conflicting documents, minimizes the time and cost associated with probate where possible, and provides clear instructions for decision-makers during incapacity or after death. Comprehensive planning can also address tax considerations, protect vulnerable beneficiaries, and ensure continuity of business operations. Ultimately, a unified plan helps clarify your intentions and makes it easier for loved ones to carry out your wishes without unnecessary legal complications.
By coordinating multiple documents, you gain flexibility to address short-term and long-term needs, such as immediate access to funds for final expenses, ongoing management of property for beneficiaries, and contingency plans for unexpected events. Regular reviews keep the plan responsive to life changes like births, deaths, marriage, divorce, inheritance, or changes in financial circumstances. Clear recordkeeping and communication with designated agents and family members further reduce the likelihood of disputes and help ensure that transitions occur smoothly and respectfully.
A comprehensive estate plan provides unambiguous instructions for how assets should be handled, who will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so, and who will care for minor children. This clarity eases the administrative load on family members and helps reduce emotional strain during an already difficult time. With clearly assigned roles and documented wishes, personal representatives can manage estate matters efficiently and in accordance with your intentions, allowing family members to focus on healing while the legal process proceeds in an organized manner.
Careful planning can include provisions to protect beneficiaries who may need ongoing financial oversight, such as minors or those with disabilities. Trusts and detailed distribution instructions can provide structured management of assets while preserving eligibility for benefit programs where relevant. Including powers of attorney and durable health care directives ensures that decision-makers are authorized to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated, avoiding gaps in care or financial management. These coordinated measures help preserve family wealth and provide a framework for responsible stewardship of assets intended for long-term benefit.
Begin your planning by creating a detailed inventory of assets, including real property, bank and investment accounts, retirement plans, insurance policies, and valuable personal property. Note how each asset is titled and whether beneficiary designations apply, since those designations can supersede instructions in a will. Gathering documentation and account information in advance makes the drafting process smoother and helps ensure that nothing important is overlooked. Regularly updating this inventory keeps your plan current as assets change or new accounts are opened.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, acquisition or sale of significant property, or a change in beneficiaries should prompt a review of your will and related documents. Outdated provisions may no longer reflect current wishes and could lead to unintended outcomes. Periodic reviews every few years or after notable events help ensure your will remains aligned with your goals and current family dynamics. Keeping records of updates and storing the signed will in a secure but accessible location helps ensure it can be found and used when needed.
You should consider drafting or updating a Last Will and Testament when you experience significant life events, when assets increase or decrease substantially, or when family dynamics change. A will is especially important for parents who want to name guardians for minor children, individuals with blended families who wish to clarify inheritance intentions, and owners of property held solely in their name. Updating a will ensures that beneficiary designations and other documents remain consistent and prevents confusion that can delay estate administration and increase costs for survivors.
Another common trigger for reviewing your will is a relocation or changes in applicable law that could affect estate administration. Financial milestones such as receiving an inheritance, selling a business, or acquiring real estate may require adjustments to distribution plans. Clear documentation of your intentions helps minimize disputes and ensures that your assets are used as you intended. If you have not reviewed your will in several years, a current assessment can identify opportunities to improve coordination among your estate planning tools and provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Many clients seek will drafting services after experiencing life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, death of a loved one, or acquisition of significant assets. Others come forward to establish clear directives when starting a business, buying real estate, or when anticipating the need to name a guardian for minor children. Individuals nearing retirement age often review wills to align their plans with retirement accounts and long-term care considerations. Addressing these circumstances proactively reduces uncertainty and helps ensure your preferences are documented and legally effective.
New parents frequently prioritize creating a will to name guardians for minor children and make clear provisions for care and financial support. A will allows parents to state who should assume parental responsibilities and how assets should be managed for a child’s benefit. Including contingent guardians and clear instructions reduces ambiguity in the event primary choices cannot serve. Planning for guardianship is a foundational concern for many families, and documenting these decisions early provides reassurance that children will be cared for by trusted individuals if the unexpected occurs.
When you acquire or sell real property, it is important to review your will to ensure that ownership changes are reflected and that distribution plans remain appropriate. Real estate titled solely in your name typically passes through probate unless other arrangements are made, so incorporating property into an estate plan helps avoid confusion and potential legal delays. Revisions may include specific bequests of property, instructions for sale and distribution of proceeds, or coordination with trust documents to streamline transfer and minimize court involvement when desired.
Blended families, second marriages, and relationships involving stepchildren create important reasons to clarify inheritance intentions through a will and related documents. Without explicit provisions, state law may not reflect your preferred distributions, potentially leaving outcomes that differ from your wishes. Careful drafting can balance support for a spouse while preserving assets for biological children or other beneficiaries. Addressing these matters in a will and coordinating with trusts or beneficiary designations provides clarity and helps prevent disputes among family members after your passing.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides personal and practical assistance with Last Wills and Testaments for residents of Spring Valley Lake and nearby communities. Services include drafting or updating wills, coordinating wills with trusts and beneficiary designations, and preparing related documents such as powers of attorney and advance health care directives. The firm emphasizes clear communication about options and steps in the process, helping clients make informed choices that reflect their priorities for family, property, and financial matters. Appointments can be arranged to discuss individual circumstances and document needs.
Clients work with Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for practical guidance and attentive service when preparing Last Wills and Testaments. The firm focuses on understanding each client’s family situation, assets, and goals to create documents that clearly communicate intentions. Whether you are drafting a will for the first time or updating an existing document, the firm provides a thoughtful process to review options, explain how different choices affect probate and distribution, and help coordinate wills with other planning tools such as trusts and beneficiary designations.
In addition to drafting wills, the firm assists with related tasks including preparing powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and trust coordination. The goal is to present practical solutions that minimize court involvement when possible and ensure that documents work together effectively. For families with specific concerns, such as blended relationships or special financial arrangements, the firm helps develop tailored approaches that document contingencies and provide clear instructions to those who will manage affairs in the future.
The firm also offers guidance on maintaining and updating estate planning documents over time. Regular reviews help keep wills current as life circumstances evolve, preventing unintended distributions or conflicts. Clear recordkeeping and assistance with safe storage of signed wills ensure that documents will be available when needed. For clients who require additional estate planning tools, the firm can help coordinate trust documents, beneficiary updates, and other measures to provide a comprehensive plan aligned with personal goals.
The process typically begins with an initial consultation to review your family situation, assets, and objectives for distribution and guardianship. During this meeting, the firm gathers information about property titles, beneficiary designations, and any existing trusts or documents. Drafts are then prepared for your review and revision until the document reflects your wishes. Once finalized, the will is signed in accordance with California formalities and stored or returned to you with guidance on safe keeping and how to inform your personal representative about the location and intent of the document.
At the first appointment, we gather details about your assets, family relationships, and goals for distribution and guardianship. This includes reviewing titles, beneficiary forms, and any prior estate documents to identify conflicts or gaps. Discussing contingencies and priorities helps shape the will’s provisions, such as specific bequests, alternate beneficiaries, and appointment of a personal representative. The more complete the information you bring, the more efficiently we can prepare an initial draft that reflects your intentions and addresses potential probate or administration issues.
We review existing documents, including prior wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations, to determine how they interact with the new will. Creating an asset inventory clarifies which items will pass through probate and which will transfer by other means. Identifying these distinctions early prevents conflicts and helps determine if additional planning steps, such as retitling property or updating beneficiary forms, are advisable to achieve your goals and minimize administration work after your death.
During the initial stage we discuss who you want to appoint as personal representative, guardians for minor children, and alternate fiduciaries. Naming reliable and willing individuals is important for seamless administration. We also discuss charitable bequests or special instructions and identify any concerns about preserving eligibility for public benefits. This conversation helps ensure the will includes clear, legally effective provisions that reflect your wishes and provide practical guidance for those who will carry out your instructions.
After gathering information and clarifying goals, we prepare a draft will for your review. The draft includes specific bequests, residuary clauses, appointment of a personal representative, and guardianship nominations where applicable. You review the draft and suggest revisions until the document accurately reflects your intentions. We explain the legal effects of key provisions and how the will coordinates with other estate planning tools. This collaborative drafting process helps ensure the final document is both practical and aligned with your objectives.
You receive a draft will and have the opportunity to review language, request clarifications, and propose changes. We discuss potential tax or administrative consequences that may result from specific provisions and suggest adjustments to reduce complexity for beneficiaries. Multiple review cycles are common to refine language and confirm interpretations. This iterative approach ensures clarity and reduces the likelihood of disputes or unintended outcomes after the will goes into effect.
Once the final draft meets your approval, the will is signed and witnessed according to California requirements to ensure validity. We provide guidance on selecting appropriate witnesses and on safely storing the executed will. We also discuss how to inform the personal representative and family members about the existence and location of the will to facilitate access when it is needed. Proper execution and secure storage help ensure the will can be presented to the court if probate becomes necessary.
After the will is executed, we recommend periodic reviews and updates to reflect life events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or significant financial changes. We can assist with revising beneficiary forms, coordinating trust assets, and updating related documents like powers of attorney or health care directives. Maintaining an up-to-date plan and ensuring that key documents are accessible to designated fiduciaries reduces confusion and helps ensure your wishes are followed when they are needed most.
Plan reviews are important to keep documents current and aligned with your circumstances. We recommend reviewing your will and related documents every few years or after any major life change. During reviews we confirm beneficiary designations, retitle assets if necessary, and update fiduciary appointments. Addressing changes proactively prevents unintended distributions and reduces the potential for family disputes. Keeping organized records and communicating plans to trusted individuals supports a smooth transition when the time comes.
Proper storage and communication are key to ensuring your will is found and followed. We discuss options for storing the executed will, such as secure personal safes or attorney custody, and recommend providing trusted individuals with information about the document’s location. Maintaining copies and clear written instructions for the personal representative help expedite the administration process. Open communication about your wishes with family or designated fiduciaries can reduce surprises and make it easier for loved ones to carry out your intentions responsibly.
A will is a document that directs distribution of probate assets, nominates a personal representative, and can name guardians for minor children. A living trust, by contrast, is a separate legal entity that can hold assets during your lifetime and can provide for the transfer of trust property outside of probate. Trusts can offer privacy and may help avoid probate for assets titled in the trust’s name. Determining whether a trust is appropriate depends on the nature of assets, privacy concerns, and whether continuity of management is needed for beneficiaries. Choosing between a will and a trust also depends on costs, administrative preferences, and the complexity of your estate. A will remains a fundamental document even if a trust is used, because a pour-over will can direct any assets not yet placed into a trust to be transferred at death. Reviewing how accounts are titled and ensuring beneficiary designations align with your plan are important steps whether you use a will, trust, or both.
You should review your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, significant changes in assets, or the death of a beneficiary or appointed fiduciary. These events can alter your intentions or create the need to appoint new guardians or representatives. Even without major life changes, periodic reviews every few years help ensure the document reflects current wishes and that beneficiary designations remain coordinated with the will and other estate planning instruments. Regular reviews also allow you to adapt to changes in laws, tax rules, and estate administration practices that might affect how your estate is handled. Updating the will when account ownerships or beneficiary designations change prevents unintended outcomes and reduces the risk of disputes. Keeping a record of updates and communicating with designated fiduciaries helps ensure continuity and clarity for those who will act on your behalf.
Yes, you can and should name guardians for minor children in your Last Will and Testament. A will is typically the primary document used to nominate a guardian who will care for minor children and manage their personal welfare. It is also helpful to name an alternate guardian in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. Clear instructions regarding guardianship help courts understand your preferences when making final decisions about a child’s care. Guardianship provisions should be carefully considered and discussed with the individuals you plan to nominate so they are willing to assume the responsibilities. Guardianship nominations in a will are effective only upon your death, and it is wise to coordinate this choice with any other estate planning tools and to provide guidance on how you would like a guardian to manage the child’s care and use of assets intended for the child’s benefit.
If you die without a valid will in California, state intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed. These laws prioritize certain relatives such as a surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings, but they may not reflect your personal wishes or address naming a guardian for minor children. Dying intestate can lead to outcomes that differ from your intentions and may result in additional court procedures to appoint an administrator and determine distributions. Without a will, the court also decides who will manage estate administration, and family members may need to resolve disputes through the legal system. Creating a will ensures that your voice guides distribution, fiduciary appointments, and guardianships, reducing uncertainty for loved ones and helping to avoid protracted legal proceedings that can delay distributions and increase costs.
For a simple will, probate generally involves filing the will with the probate court, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying assets, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process can be straightforward when the estate is small, assets are easy to locate, and beneficiaries are in agreement. Timeframes and costs vary depending on the estate’s size and whether disputes arise, but clear documentation and cooperation among parties can keep the process efficient. California law provides simplified probate procedures for smaller estates or for certain types of property transfers, which can reduce time and expense. Preparing a well-drafted will and organizing records ahead of time helps streamline probate when it is necessary. Discussing anticipated probate steps with legal counsel can also clarify expectations and identify opportunities to reduce court involvement through planning measures.
Yes. Beneficiary designations on accounts such as retirement plans, life insurance, and payable-on-death bank accounts generally supersede instructions in a will for those specific assets. That means the named beneficiary on the account will often receive the asset regardless of what the will states. It is important to review and align beneficiary forms with your will to avoid conflicting instructions and unintended distributions. Coordinating beneficiary designations with your will and any trust arrangements provides a cohesive plan for asset transfer. When specific items must pass through the will, consider retitling or adjusting designations as needed. Regularly checking and updating beneficiaries ensures that account payouts reflect your current intentions and family circumstances.
A pour-over will works in tandem with a living trust by directing any assets not already transferred into the trust during the maker’s lifetime to be transferred into the trust at death. This ensures that assets inadvertently left outside the trust still become subject to the trust’s distribution provisions without creating separate probate complications for those assets. A pour-over will acts as a safety net to capture assets that were not retitled or funded into the trust prior to death. While a pour-over will helps consolidate assets into the trust after death, any assets it covers may still be subject to probate before transferring into the trust depending on how they are titled. Using a pour-over will alongside proactive funding of the trust and careful beneficiary coordination reduces the likelihood that significant assets will require probate administration.
Choose a personal representative based on reliability, organizational skills, and willingness to serve. The role requires managing estate administration tasks such as filing documents with the court, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets according to the will. Many people choose a trusted family member, a close friend, or a professional fiduciary who is comfortable handling administrative duties and communicating with beneficiaries. Naming alternates helps ensure that someone can assume the role if the primary choice is unable to act. Discussing the responsibilities with your chosen individual in advance and providing clear instructions and documentation can make the transition smoother. Consider geographic location, availability, and ability to work with attorneys or court personnel. Selecting a personal representative who will act impartially and maintain accurate records helps ensure orderly administration of your estate.
Handwritten wills, known as holographic wills, can be valid in California if they meet specific requirements. A holographic will must be entirely in the testator’s handwriting and signed by the testator, and it does not require witnesses. However, because the handwriting requirement and questions about authenticity or clarity can create complications, relying solely on a handwritten will carries risks. Courts may need to evaluate handwriting and intent, which can increase uncertainty during probate. For greater certainty and to reduce the potential for disputes, many people choose a formally executed will with witnesses in accordance with California law. Formal execution provides clearer evidence of validity and helps ensure that the will’s provisions will be carried out as intended. Regardless of the form, regular review and safe storage remain important to preserve the document’s effectiveness.
Wills filed with the probate court generally become part of the public record during the probate process, which means their contents can be accessed by interested parties. To maintain greater privacy, many people use trust arrangements because trust administration often occurs outside the public probate system. A living trust can hold assets and allow for private transfer to beneficiaries without the details becoming public, while a will typically governs probate assets and guardian nominations. Storing your will in a secure location and minimizing the amount of estate property that must pass through probate through coordinated titling and beneficiary designations can also reduce public exposure. Discussing privacy concerns with counsel helps determine whether trust-based planning or other measures are appropriate to keep family matters private while still documenting your final wishes and appointing fiduciaries.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas