Emphasizing Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate and Elder Law

LAW OFFICES OF J. R. HASTINGS

The services provided by the Law Offices of J.R. Hastings concern establishing, managing and administering the estate plan of the client, whether a person or a family. 

J. R. Hastings and his staff help you develop your estate plan, then prepare the documents that you need. Even in the simplest of estate plans, Mr. Hastings ensures the time of incapacitation is covered. In the more complex estate plans, those including living trusts and insurance trusts, you are assured you gain the best tax advantages and your assets are properly managed and titled.

At a time of incapacity the personal and financial estate is managed by activating and utilizing the powers of attorney or trusts so that trusted, alternate persons can assist the client.  In cases of inadequate planning or third party resistance a conservatorship may be established through the probate court.  The time of incapacity may also be a time when the estate plan changes from what Mr. Hastings terms as "apples" (conventional estate planning) to "oranges" (planning to gain benefits through Medi-Cal).

At death of the client J.R. Hastings, with the aid of a legal assistant, gives advice and assistance on any probate or administration of any trust.  When the estate does not pass in some automatic fashion, probate procedures may be necessary. Probate procedures might require the involvement of the court, though this is not always necessary.

If a "living trust," or some other form of trust, guide the management of the financial estate, then Attorney Hastings and his staff assist the client to accomplish the myriad of tasks required after the death of a settlor of the trust.  To the surprise of many, these tasks are required not only on the death of the second spouse to pass, but even on the first death of a spouse.

If you are interested in developing an estate plan, please click "Preparing an Estate Plan."  For information about all other services please select "Additional Services."