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and Probate Services since 1972
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-
The Law Offices of
Gregory T. Annigian
333 North Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 981-
Fax: (909) 981-
Email:
PRACTICE AREAS
Claremont Estate Planning Attorney Greg Annigian
Welcome to the Law Offices of Claremont Estate Planning Lawyer Gregory T. Annigian. Attorney Greg Annigian is devoted to providing compassionate, knowledgeable representation to individuals and couples who wish to create and implement an enforceable, comprehensive Estate Plan that will preserve and protect their assets while minimizing tax liability.
Providing intelligent and thoughtful legal counsel to Estate Planning clients for more than 47 + years, Estate Planning Attorney Greg Annigian is a seasoned lawyer who possesses extensive experience drafting personalized Estate Plans that conform to his client’s goals and objectives.
Contact Claremont Estate Planning Lawyer Gregory Annigian at (909) 981-
Devoted to providing the highest quality legal counsel, all client communications will be addressed in a timely manner, and your concerns will never be overlooked or ignored.
Knowledgeable Estate Planning Lawyer in Claremont
A highly qualified Estate Planning Attorney, Mr. Annigian thoroughly reviews all Estate Planning options with clients to ensure that they have the requisite information to make intelligent and informed decisions when determining how to secure their hard-
Claremont Estate Planning Lawyer Greg Annigian utilizes a wide variety of Estate Planning tools, including but not limited to the following as applicable to individual circumstances:
- Asset Protection
- Business Succession
- Charitable Trusts
- Educational Trusts
- HIPAA Authorizations
- Incapacity Planning
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Life Insurance Trusts
- Pour-
Over Wills - QPR Trusts
- QTIP Trusts
- Retirement Planning
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Spendthrift Trusts
- Testamentary Trusts
- Wills
By employing and implementing a broad range of Estate Planning tools, Attorney Gregory Annigian can provide you with peace of mind with the following:
Knowing that you will be able to maintain control of your property during your lifetime;
Ensuring that your assets will be distributed after death to your beneficiaries based on your desires;
Protecting your property and assets against claims by creditors;
For business owners, knowing that a plan is in place for a smooth transition of power to keep your company operational in case of incapacity, illness or death;
Maximizing the assets that will pass to your heirs and beneficiaries while minimizing estate taxes.
Claremont Estate Planning Lawyer Greg Annigian is dedicated to helping clients make difficult decisions that will impact not only their own futures, but those of their loved ones.
Call a Skilled Claremont Estate Planning Attorney for a Consultation
For questions to answers about Lawyer Gregory Annigian’s Estate Planning Services, complete the Estate Case Evaluation Form. After your information has been reviewed, a representative from the Law Offices of Gregory T. Annigian will contact you.
For immediate assistance, call (909) 981-
FAQ
1. What is the Difference between a Will and a Trust?
A comprehensive estate plan, when properly drafted and executed, can preserve your assets for successive generations. It is a way to legally recognize your wishes and the way your legacy will impact your beneficiaries. A comprehensive estate plan goes further than the common will and trust combination many people establish. This detailed estate planning process includes legal tools that can minimize tax consequences on your estate and also on the inheritance received by the beneficiaries. A comprehensive estate plan works to protect assets, further business and legal objectives, and establish your legacy.
Exactly which tools will be included in your customized estate plan depends upon the size of the estate. Your estate plan may include a will, trusts, power of attorney, business succession plan, and a healthcare directive. Many trusts can be utilized during your lifetime. This approach may provide advantages now for you, while still benefitting your loved ones after your death.
2. Is a Will Necessary in California?
The quick answer to this question is, “yes.” A will is necessary if you want your loved ones or a charitable organization to benefit from your lifetime of work and dedication. A will offers a way to direct the distribution of your assets after your death. Even if you have few assets, you should establish your Last Will and Testament. Through a will, your property, financial accounts, and possessions will be legally transferred to the beneficiaries that you identify. A will can also identify a guardian in situations involving a minor.
If you do not have a will at the time of your death, your assets will be distributed at the discretion of the state. In accordance with the Probate Code of California, your assets will be appraised, evaluated, and given out following the laws of intestate succession. This process uses a beneficiary hierarchy to determine which relative will inherit your estate, and is followed without regard to your relationship with these relatives. For these reasons, a will is often the starting point for the estate planning process. A will alone does not offer the best protection for your estate, but without it the consequences are potentially devastating for your family.
3. How does a Living Trust Benefit the Trustor?
By creating the trust, the trustor has the ability to realize advantages which may also extend to the trustor’s beneficiaries upon inheritance of the estate. The living trust, or revocable trust, goes into effect the moment it is created and properly funded. It allows the trustor to designate a trustee to manage the trust. If you create the trust, you will most likely name yourself as the trustee. A successor trustee must also be name to handle matters after your death.
Properly funding the trust involves titling assets, property, and financial accounts as part of the trust. The trust becomes the actual owner of these assets. Because these assets are owned by the trust, the tax implications are different than when the assets are owned outright by the trustor’s estate. Another advantage for the trustor and the beneficiaries is the burden of estate and gift taxes. Because assets are wholly owned by the trust, gift and estate taxes are likely to be minimized or essentially removed for the trustor and beneficiaries. In addition, creating a trust may give you and your family peace of mind now knowing these matters will be handled in the future.
4. How does a Trustor Choose a Trustee?
The trustee manages the trust and has a legal fiduciary duty to perform actions within the boundary of the law while following the mandates of the trust. The choice of a trustee requires thoughtful consideration on the part of the trustor. Choosing who will serve as trustee is critical for the success of the trust and for the overall success of the estate plan. The trustee is chosen when the trust is established. Because the trustee plays a key role in overseeing the trust, it is critical this person takes the responsibility seriously. The trustee should also understand family dynamics so as to be resistant in the event of emotional drama within the trustor’s family. Many times, a trustor will choose a trust administration attorney or professional as the trustee. In this way, the trustor can ensure the appropriate handling of the trust.
