Estate Planning Attorney
Why do you need to update your estate plan after a divorce?
In the event of a divorce, you may need to adjust your estate plan. Once your divorce has been finalized, you need to reorganize your assets and determine where they will be distributed after your passing. Rather than allowing the courts to have control over your possessions, you should delegate in advance how you would like for things to be dispersed.
Between you and your ex-spouse, you will now have to decide how your estate and possessions will be divided when one or both of you passes. This includes looking at your home, appreciated assets (ie: stocks and mutual funds), any retirement plans, real estate, and even personal property such as artwork, jewelry or other high value items. By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can work through this process and help ensure that your assets are distributed to the right people.
Call The Graves Law Firm first!
When you call the estate planning lawyers at The Graves Law Firm, you can know that you will be treated with the utmost respect and devotion as they help you plan your estate or update your plan after a divorce. We are different than many other firms in the Los Angeles area, in that we promise the following service:
- Keep you apprised of all important information regarding your estate plan
- All calls and emails are returned within 24 hours
- No matter how complicated the case, we work hard to complete your case in an efficient manner
- Affordable legal service
- Personalized attention to detail throughout the entire process
Contact our office today today for the assistance you both need and deserve when determining your estate plan in divorce.
Pasadena Estate Planning Attorney
At our firm, we offer a wide range of estate planning services to fit your specific needs. We are more than prepared to help you and your family prepare or adapt the following legal documents:
- Wills
- Durable Powers of Attorney
- Trusts (ie: Living Trusts, Insurance Trusts, etc.)
- Administration of Estates and Trusts
Protect your investments, property and finances by communicating your specific needs with one of our estate planning and divorce attorneys today. Do not wait until it is too late.
Reviewing Your Estate Plan After a Divorce
If you are going through a divorce, it is imperative that you take a look at your existing estate plan and make adjustments. If you do not want your assets to end up being distributed back to your ex-spouse upon your passing, hire a qualified estate planning attorney to help you revise your will, trusts, and other matters.
What are the kinds of actions you can take to adapt your estate plan?
Get rid of your existing will and create a new one. If you had a pre-existing will, it is best to literally trash it and start from scratch. If you did not yet have a will, now is the time to create one. A will can designate who can be a legal guardian over your children if necessary, determine who gets your property, and elect a person who will execute your estate.
Make updates to all beneficiary designations. This could include any and all retirement accounts, life insurance policies, transfer-on-death brokerage accounts and pay-on-death bank accounts. In order to place new beneficiaries in place, you will need to request paperwork from your bank, employer or brokerage person and file them as soon as possible.
Change the Powers of Attorney. If your ex-spouse is listed as having powers of attorney to make decisions and act for you if you should ever be incapacitated, this should be updated immediately. Typically there are two powers of attorney, one for financial decisions and one for medical decisions. Make all of the necessary changes you need to and place new people in charge of this significant task.
We are dedicated to serving you!
Understanding that estate planning after a divorce can be somewhat of a complex issue and requires assistance from someone who has in-depth knowledge regarding California laws, we recommend that you get in touch with a lawyer as quickly as possible. It is best to be prepared for the unknown, than to have it all come crashing down on those you love in the event of an untimely death.
Always returning calls promptly and making ourselves available to you no matter what questions you may have, call our office for the legal guidance that is required with this kind of situation.
We only charge flat fees for all plans and administration.
Read what our past clients have to say about us
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At each of our meetings the interest Demetria took, coupled with the way she listened to my personal situation gave her the facts she needed to produce an excellent strategy that proved to be invaluable and ultimately brought us success in court. That was such a happy day for me. One that I have replayed in my mind time and time again. I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results! - Charlesetta M. Long- Charlesetta M. Long
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I was going through a difficult time financially and was unsure about filing bankruptcy partly because of the complexity of it and mainly because of the social ramifications of doing so. Working with both Sabrina and Demetria was great! When there was something I didn't understand (even if they had to repeat themselves on numerous occasions), I was always treated with both respect and patience as they explained what it was I didn't grasp. I was even encouraged to meet Demetria so as to sit down and answer any final questions before she filed my paperwork. Even after the BK was discharged, they encouraged me to call if I had any more questions - which I did. They are a class-act to follow. I highly recommend anyone, who is contemplating filing a bankruptcy, to give their office a call and consult with Demetria so as to explore your options. It will be one of the most important phone calls in your financial life! - LS- LS
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I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda- Sandra Castaneda
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I would like to thank the law office of Demetria Graves. You never know what life can throw at you, and contacting an attorney can be a sensitive time. When I first contacted the office, I was greeted by the staff with warmth and professionalism, and compassion. I appreciated this very much. In the event should I need legal services again, I will contact her office. Once again, thank you for the services regarding my case. - Amy Roberts- Amy Roberts
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I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson- Robert C. Harrelson
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I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous- Anonymous
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I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson- Ton Nelson
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Demetria for the excellent work I received from her firm. When I first came to her office with my child custody case, I was distraught and afraid of what was to come in the months ahead. She was considerate and compassionate and best of all she gave me hope, which I had not received from any other attorney. I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm. - Aurora- Aurora
