The Importance of Having a Living Trust in California

Aretha Franklin’s Death Without a Will is a Reminder to Think About Your Estate Plans

According to documents filed in probate court, Aretha Franklin left no will or trust behind when she died. Without proper documentation of her assets, a net-worth estimated beyond $80 million and rumored debts, figuring the true worth of Franklin’s estate will likely be controversial and take time.

If Franklin voiced any wishes for her estate and legacy prior to her death, they will not likely be fulfilled. Neither will the wishes of her immediate relatives. Without a will, her estate will be distributed under Michigan law, which means her assets should be divided equally among her four sons. In respect to future accrued assets from Franklin’s legacy, Franklin’s niece, the appointed representative of the estate, has sole legal power over how the estate will be administered.

You may feel like estate planning does not apply to you, but it applies to everyone. There is much more to estate planning than allocating assets. Estate planning can help you address many issues you might face at incapacity or death. Do you want to sell your business after you pass? How would you want your family to take care of you if you became disabled? Who would you choose as guardian to your children if you became incapacitated? These are tough questions, but having a legal plan in place is the only way to truly preserve your intentions and protect your loved ones. Without proper legal documentation, a person’s estate, no matter the size, is administered based on guidelines set from the state in which that person lived.

There are multiple routes you can take within an estate plan. The best options for you depend on factors such as personal goals, assets and health. To ensure that your intentions are covered and comply with your state’s laws, working with an experienced estate planning attorney is recommended. At Lowthorp, Richards, McMillan, Miller & Templeman, APC, we perform the complete range of trust and estate legal services for our clients. We can help you decide the best course of action to take for your interests, develop your estate plan, and leave you with peace of mind for your future.

Contact our estate planning attorneys at (805) 981-8555 for more information.

NOTE: The information contained herein is not intended to be legal advice and the reader should know that no Attorney-Client relationship or privilege is formed by the posting or reading of this article which is also not intended to solicit business.

Cristian R. Arrieta, Lowthorp Richards McMillan Miller & Templeman, A Professional Corporation, 300 E. Esplanade Drive Suite 850, Oxnard, CA 93036