NOE VALLEY LAW
1330 Castro Street, San Francisco, California 94114

ROBERT T. RODDICK, ATTORNEY AT LAW - (415) 641-8687


An Estate Planning Lawyer with a 95% Estate/Probate Practice and Over Thirty Five Years Experience


Noe Valley Merchants & Professionals Association
   
Estate Planning Preparation Guide

 
 

The cost of leaving this earth and probating your estate is ever increasing. Recently, the State Legislature increased the Statutory Fee and Commission charged by attorneys and personal representatives. On a small estate of $100,000.00 the increase was $850.00. The initial court filing fee is $365.00 and the publication fee is appoximately $150.00. Presently, the Attorney Statutory Fee, alone, on a $250,000.00 estate is $8,000.00 and that does not account for the court filing fees mentioned above, cost of publication, the Probate Referee's fee of 1/10th of one (.001%) percent of the estate value, and all those extraordinary fees, costs and expenses that you'll be charged.
The primary purpose of proper estate planning is to preserve as much of your estate as possible for the benefit of your family, your heirs or designated beneficiaries. To accomplish this a thorough review of your estate is necessary to determine its value, the manner in which title is currently held and the consequences of any survivorship rights. This is done by reviewing the original title papers and contracts, current account statements and an inventory of your personal possessions.
In 2009, a Three and One Half Million Dollar estate was exempt from Estate Taxes; however, the Attorney Probate Fee is $48,000.00. The Attorney Probate Fee can be avoided with proper planning. This year all estates are exempt from Estate Taxes, but for 2011 they are schedule to lower the exemptiom from 3.5 Million to only One Million leaving you with a 55% Estate Tax Bill on the excess. We will have to wait to see what the present administration Congress determines.

Step One: You have already taken your first step by obtaining this Estate Planning Preparation Guide.

Step Two: Gather your documents:

1) Real Property (homes, buildings and land): The Grant Deed or Court Order for each piece of real property and the most recent Property Tax bill to confirm the Assessor's Parcel Number. Additionally, documentation of any Leasehold rights or other estates in land that you may own.

2) Personal Property: A complete itemization of all heirlooms and valuable personal property (jewelry, antiques, paintings, lithographs, porcelains, etc.).

3) Vehicles: (automobiles, boats and other vehicles): The 'pink slip' or other title paper identifying the License Plate and Vehicle Identification Number.

4) Stocks and Bonds: Most people have their stock investments held by a brokerage firm and therefore receive a monthly Brokerage Statement. The most current statement is required. For those of you who possess the actual stock certificate and the actual Savings Bond, these certificates and bonds are required, as well.

5) Bank Account Holdings: The most current Bank Account Statement for all savings, checking, Certificates of Deposit and Treasury Bill accounts, whether held solely in your name, with others or for the benefit of others.

6) Business Relationships: The Partnership Agreement, whether general or limited, Fictitious Business Name certification, business location Rental/Lease Agreement, and all other legal papers concerning operations and ownership interests.

7) Inheritance Rights: If you have been granted a Power of Appointment under another's Last Will and Testament or Declaration of Trust, or are currently a beneficiary under another's Trust, a copy of the Will or Trust is necessary.

8) Other Intangible Property: Debts (Notes and Deeds of Trusts), Judgments, Judgment Liens, and other promises to pay; actual Patents, Copy Rights, and Royalty Agreements; and any other documentation of intangible property rights that you may own.

9) Life Insurance and Annuities: The actual policy with the coverage and designated beneficiary page and the current statement for the annuity.

10) Pensions: Employment By-Laws/Agreements and determination as to whether there is a survivor's benefit or right to assignment.

11) Tax Deferred Retirement Plans: The initiating documentation for each plan with the designated beneficiary page and the current Investment Retirement Account (IRA) statement.

12) Miscellaneous: Any preexisting Wills and Codicils, Declarations of Trust and Amendments, or any Pre-need Agreements for funeral, burial or cremation services.

Step Three: Call Noe Valley Law Offices at (415) 641-8687 and make an appointment. Meet with an attorney to review your estate and discuss your options. The initial interview is free. If you have any questions concerning any item above, feel free to call Noe Valley Law Offices. Advice as to whom to contact or the place to go for a document will be readily given. No question is too small nor unimportant.

   

(415) 641-8687
Noe Valley Law Offices
web www.NoeValleyLaw.com
email noevalleylaw@sbcglobal.net

 
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