Questions families ask us most
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends on what you own. If you own a home in California, a living trust usually saves your family the time and cost of probate. If you don't own real estate and your accounts have named beneficiaries, a simple will may be all you need. Jonette will tell you honestly which one fits, and she wrote a plain-English guide on it: Do I need a trust, or just a will?
What happens if I don't have any estate plan?
California decides for you. It's called intestate succession: the Probate Code hands out your property based on legal relationships, not on what you wanted. Your family may also end up in probate court, which is slow, public, and expensive.
What documents make up a basic estate plan?
For most families: a will or living trust, a durable power of attorney for finances, and an advance healthcare directive. Together they say who gets what, who is in charge, and who can act for you if you can't act for yourself.
Will I work with Jonette directly?
Yes. There is no associate who takes over your file. The person you meet at the first appointment is the same person who drafts your documents and walks you through signing them.
What areas do you serve?
Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore, Avenal, Tulare, and communities throughout Kings County and Tulare County in California's Central Valley.
How do I get started?
Call 559-670-7411, or send a message through the form below. Phone is fastest. And if it turns out you don't need an attorney, Jonette will be the first to say so.