Celaya Law

As incredibly important as estate planning is, it can be easily overlooked. Swipe to take a look at the 4 key pillars of estate planning 📜💼

Remember, it's never too early or too late to make prudent financial arrangements! If you have any questions about estate planning, feel free to reach out.

Don't Forget the Importance of Incapacity Planning!

As we age, it's crucial to consider all aspects of our future, including the possibility of incapacity. Incapacity planning is an essential component of a comprehensive estate plan, ensuring your wishes are respected even if you're unable to articulate them yourself. In our day and age, this has become more prevalent than ever.

**Power of Attorney**: Assign someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you're unable to do so. This can cover everything from paying bills to managing your investments.

**Advanced Health Care Directive**: This document specifies your health care preferences, including treatments you do or do not want and appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated.

Taking these steps now can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Dont wait until it's too late to make your wishes known. Consult with one of our legal expert to tailor these documents to your specific needs.

Does your estate plan look like this?

Estate planning is an easy, cost-effective way to protect your family and transfer your assets without placing unnecessary burdens on your loved ones 🤝

The time is always right to get started–we’re ready when you are.

Cuando alguien fallece, en muchos otros países sus bienes se pueden repartir de manera privada entre la familia. En los Estados Unidos, no es así. 🇺🇸

Cuando alguien fallece en los Estados Unidos, sus bienes tienen que pasar por Probate--un proceso legal en la corte 👨🏻‍⚖️. Es un proceso largo, público, y costoso. Pero, se puede evitar con un LIVING TRUST.

El Living Trust permite que todos tus bienes se pueden repartir de manera privada entre tu familia.

¡Contáctanos hoy para más información!

As we navigate through 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect on life changes and how they could impact your estate plan.

Have there been any significant milestones in your life recently? Births, marriages, divorces, or changes in your financial situation can impact your estate plan and how you wish to protect your loved ones.

A brief call is all it takes to secure your future and provide peace of mind for you and your family. Reach out to schedule a review.

Important Reminder for All Parents!!

Have you considered what would happen to your children if something unexpected occurred to you? It's a tough subject, but essential to address. Ensuring the future security of your minor children means having a solid plan in place.

Guardianship documents are crucial. They legally define who will care for your children in your absence, reflecting your wishes and providing peace of mind. Don't leave their future uncertain.

Take action today. Consult with one of our legal advisor to prepare the necessary guardianship documents. Your children depend on you for their safety and well-being, even in scenarios we hope never happen.

Our team understands the complexities and emotions involved in planning for an anticipated inheritance.

That’s why we have compiled a list of considerations to keep in mind if you have a potential inheritance.

Swipe through to learn more. And, as always, know that our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out anytime.

As our nation pauses to celebrate July 4, we are sending each of you our warmest wishes for a memorable holiday.

Whether you are planning to enjoy a barbecue, marvel at the fireworks, or spend quality time with loved ones, we hope your day is full of fun, rest, and reflection.

Please note that our office will be closed in observance of Independence Day. Enjoy the holiday, and stay safe.

Para nuestros amigos hispanohablantes, tenemos aquí 10 palabras en ingles que pertenecen a la planificación patrimonial, y sus traducciones a español. ¡A ver si las conocen!

Will -- Testamento

Trust -- Fideicomiso

Trustee -- Fideicomisario/a

Assets -- Bienes

Real Estate -- Bienes Inmuebles

Deed -- Escritura o Título de Propiedad

Guardian -- Tutor

Appraisal -- Tasación

Probate Court -- Tribunal Sucesorio

Estate Planning -- Planificación Patrimonial

¡Déjennos saber en los comentarios si conocen a otras traducciones de estas palabras!

Aquí en Celaya Law nosotros ofrecemos todos nuestros servicios en español. Lo hacemos con la esperanza de traer simplicidad, claridad, y buena comunicación al proceso de crear un plan patrimonial. Si están buscando este tipo de servicio, ¡no duden en contactarnos!

Estate planning can feel intimidating, but don’t worry – we’re here to help, starting with a few key terms to know:

📄 Healthcare Directive - Also known as a living will, this document gives you the ability to state your preferences for your future medical treatment. You’ll also appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.

📄 Codicil - This is any sort of change to your will and explains, modifies, or revokes parts of the already existing document. You may need a codicil for major life changes like birth, death, marriage, or divorce.

📄 Probate - If you have a will, probate is the legal process in which it will be validated, and any remaining debts you have will be paid off before the remaining property goes to the decided beneficiaries. If you don’t have a will, the process will follow state laws.

Curious about another legal term? Reach out to us 😊

If legal matters surface, it can be very helpful to have some foundational knowledge of affidavits. With that in mind, we are shedding some light today on the what, when, why, and how of affidavits:

💡 What It Is - An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, often witnessed and authenticated by a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths.

💡 When One Is Used - Affidavits are used in a myriad of situations, from property disputes to personal injury claims, providing a formal method to present facts that are essential to a case or legal process.

💡 Why an Affidavit Is Used - Affidavits serve as evidence or supporting documentation in court proceedings and other legal transactions, affirming the truthfulness of its contents. They are used across various legal contexts.

💡How an Affidavit Is Made Official - Depending on the state and document type, the person making the affidavit, known as the affiant, may need to swear before an authorized officer that the statement is true and accurate.

Understanding the role and requirements of affidavits can significantly impact the outcome of legal proceedings. As always, know that we are here as a resource when legal matters arise.

Give us a call when you need us. We are here for you.

Today, we send our warmest wishes to each of you, as we collectively pause to honor the father figures who have offered us guidance, wisdom, courage, and love.

Whether you're celebrating surrounded by loved ones or cherishing memories of times past, we hope your weekend is filled with joy and gratitude.

From all of us, Happy Father’s Day.

🏠 ¿Alguna vez te has preguntado qué va a pasar con la casa después de que faltes? Con un Living Trust, te puedes asegurar que pase a tus hijos. De otra forma eso no está garantizado. ¡No lo dejes al azar! Contáctenos y te ayudamos con el proceso para que sea sencillo y rápido.

🏠 Wondering what will happen to your house after you're gone? With a living trust, you can ensure it passes on to your children. Otherwise, it's not guaranteed. Don't leave it to chance! Contact us and we'll help ensure that the process is quick and easy.

Did you know that approximately 1 in 10 older individuals (aged 60 and above) suffer from some form of abuse each year? Tragically, many of these cases remain unreported.

Elder abuse is not limited to one form of abuse; it encompasses a range of harmful behaviors including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The signs of such abuse can often be subtle and varied, making it crucial for all of us to stay informed and vigilant.

As a law firm deeply committed to the well-being and rights of the elderly, we believe it's important to recognize potential signs of elder abuse. Swipe through for indicators to look for and steps to take to keep your loved ones protected ↩️

Owning a vacation home is a dream come true for many! But have you considered what will happen to your beloved getaway when you're no longer around? Estate planning for vacation homes is essential to ensure a smooth transition and prevent family conflicts down the road.

Follow along with this Q&A post as we address common questions and provide valuable insights on how to include your vacation home in your estate plan. 🏖️🏠💼

Where would you build your dream vacation home? Drop it in the comments below ⬇️

Enjoying the bright and sunny energy? Just checking in to see how everyone's doing! If you need anything or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help in any way possible.

Ever wondered about the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts? There may only be two letters difference between the two terms, but there’s a world of difference between these types of trusts.

Swipe through to see a brief overview of each trust ➡️ Looking for further help? Our legal team is here for all of your estate planning needs and to answer any questions you have. Reach out to our office anytime.

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, our office will be closed as we pay our respects to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. We invite you to join us in this important and solemn remembrance.

Should questions or needs arise while we are out office, our team will address them when we resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28.

Are you among the 50% of Americans without a power of attorney in place? If so, you’ll want to keep reading.

To get you started on the good kind of power trip, here are three types of POAs:

1. Durable POA - This becomes active as soon as it’s signed and continues in perpetuity unless the principal cancels it or passes away. If the principal is incapacitated and unable to make decisions, the agent still has the authority to make decisions on their behalf.
2. Non-Durable POA - This document goes into effect immediately as well, but unlike a durable POA, it ends if the principal becomes incapacitated or unable to make sound decisions.
3. Springing POA - This goes into effect only under certain conditions, not immediately when signed. Generally, this is when a medical professional determines that the principal is incapacitated or is not of sound mind.

Want to learn about other types of power of attorney and which one is best for you? Give us a shout.

It’s time for a pop quiz 🎉 True or False: Once you’ve signed your estate plan, you’re set for life.

The correct answer is … false. In general, you should review your estate plan:

🖋️ Every 3-5 years or

🖋️ When a major life event occurs

Keeping your estate plan up to date ensures that what you really want will be carried out after you pass or if you’re incapacitated for some reason.

Been a bit (or a lot) longer than three to five years since you’ve reviewed your estate plan? 😬 Have no fear, our team of experts is here to help!

Give us a call or shoot us an email, and we’ll get the ball rolling.

May is here, and it's all about celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses! These local business owners are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and adding unique charm to our cities.

💡 Did you know:

- About 50% of purchases at local independent businesses are reinvested into the community
- If every U.S. family spent just $10 a month at a local business, over $9.3 billion would be returned to our economy
- Local businesses generate 70% more local economic activity per square foot compared to big-box retail

As members of the small business community, we’re thankful for your ongoing support. Let's continue to uplift and support our local gems this month. Every purchase, no matter how small, helps our area thrive.

On behalf of our entire team, we want to wish all mother figures out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

No matter how you celebrate, we hope you have a relaxing and meaningful day surrounded by loved ones.

Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to DM us or give our office a call. We're here to help!

What happens to pets in the case of divorce or the death of an owner?

Through estate plans, owners are able to ensure the needs of their pets are met, even if something happens to them.

When considering estate planning for pets, essential factors include:

🐾 Identifying unique care needs and the desired living arrangement for each pet.
🐾 Allocating financial resources for their care.
🐾Selecting responsible individuals for daily care and financial oversight.

Failure to plan can leave pets at risk of not receiving proper care or even euthanization. To mitigate such outcomes, establishing a pet trust can provide a structured solution, offering peace of mind that your pets will receive the care and protection they deserve in your absence.

Want more information? Reach out to our team — we are here to help.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! 🇲🇽

What better way to celebrate than with a delicious, authentic recipe? With that in mind, we’re sharing a special treat for you from Mexican Food Journal - Restaurant Style Salsa!

Try out this recipe and pair it with your favorite tacos, quesadillas, or chips! Have any Cinco de Mayo traditions or plans? Share them with us in the comments – nos encantaría escucharlos!

Take a look at our answers to yesterday’s pop quiz 👀 How did you do? Let us know in the comments!

Want to test your estate planning knowledge? 📚🧠💡 Take the quiz and comment your answers below. We’ll post the answers tomorrow, so check back in!

A living trust is the best way to protect your loved ones from onerous transfer taxes after your passing. By establishing a living trust, you can ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of assets, avoiding unnecessary financial burdens. Take proactive steps to secure their financial future.

Seeking an estate planning attorney who genuinely cares about your family's future? Look no further! Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide you through the process and ensure your loved ones are protected. Trust us to handle your estate planning needs with the utmost care and expertise. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Does the word “beneficiaries” have you saying, “bena-who?” Good news–this post is for you 👀 (We promise we didn’t intend for that to rhyme)

Here are four fast facts about this important part of estate planning:

1️⃣ A beneficiary is the person, people, or entity/entities you name to inherit what you leave behind.
2️⃣ Beneficiaries don’t have to be people. Many wills and trusts name charities or organizations as beneficiaries.
3️⃣ Good questions to ask include: Does anyone depend on you financially? Are you married? Do you have children? All of these may influence your beneficiary choices.
4️⃣ Keep in mind that for some assets, there are two types. A primary beneficiary is the person first in line to receive the benefit. A contingent beneficiary is a backup if your primary beneficiary is no longer alive.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or give us a call. We’re here to help.