When most people hear the term estate planning, they picture millionaires divvying up mansions and trust funds. But the truth is, estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, and it’s not just about who gets what when you’re gone.
Whether you’re a parent, a homeowner, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to make life easier for your loved ones, the short answer to the question “Is it a good idea to do estate planning?” is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of estate planning, dispel a few common myths, and explain why it’s especially important for residents in Roseville, CA, to have a plan in place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about money.
What Is Estate Planning?
At its core, estate planning is the process of deciding how your assets, responsibilities, and healthcare decisions will be handled in the event of your death or incapacity. It typically involves creating a combination of documents such as:
- A Will
- A Trust
- Powers of Attorney for finances and healthcare
- Advance healthcare directives
- Guardianship designations (especially important for parents with minors)
And while that sounds legalistic and maybe even intimidating, think of estate planning as a safety net—not just for your money, but for your family, your values, and your peace of mind.
The Top Benefits of Estate Planning
Let’s look at the top benefits of estate planning in Roseville, CA:
You Stay in Control
Without an estate plan, the state of California decides what happens to your assets based on intestate succession laws. That means you lose the power to direct who receives what, and when. With a plan in place, you get to make those decisions. You can:
- Leave specific assets to specific people
- Disinherit someone if you choose
- Decide who will manage your estate
- Name guardians for your children
In short, you get to be the author of your legacy.
You Protect Your Loved Ones
Losing a loved one is hard enough. Sorting through legal and financial chaos only adds to the stress. A comprehensive estate plan simplifies the process for your family by:
- Avoiding lengthy and expensive probate proceedings
- Minimizing estate taxes where applicable
- Clearly outlining your wishes so there’s no confusion or family conflict
According to the American Bar Association, an estate plan is one of the best ways to ensure your wishes are followed and your family is protected during an emotional time.
You Can Avoid Probate (Mostly)
In California, probate can take 9–18 months (or longer), and fees can cost up to 4% of your estate’s value, sometimes more. If you create a living trust, many of your assets can bypass probate entirely, making for a faster, smoother, and more private transfer of property.
That’s especially important in a fast-growing region like Roseville, where real estate is often one of the most valuable parts of a family’s estate.
Your Plan for Incapacity
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away. It’s also about what happens if you become ill, injured, or mentally unable to manage your affairs.
A Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive can:
- Give someone you trust the ability to make financial decisions on your behalf
- Ensure your healthcare wishes are known and respected
- Prevent the court from appointing a conservator you didn’t choose
Think of it as pre-selecting your backup team. You choose who steps in—not a judge.
You Protect Minor Children
If you have kids under 18, a will allows you to name guardians to care for them in case you and your spouse are no longer around. Without this designation, the courts will decide who gets custody, and it may not be who you would have chosen.
This is one of the most important reasons to begin estate planning early. Even if you don’t own a lot of assets yet, ensuring your children are protected is priceless.
You Minimize Taxes and Fees
While the federal estate tax only applies to estates over $13.61 million (as of 2024), other taxes, like capital gains and property tax reassessments, can still be triggered when assets are passed down. Smart estate planning can minimize or defer those costs, preserving more wealth for your heirs.
For residents of Placer County, where rising property values can translate into larger estates, this type of planning is especially crucial.
Stat to Know: Most Americans Don’t Have a Plan
A recent Caring.com survey found that only 34% of American adults have an estate plan—and among parents with children under 18, that number drops even lower. Yet, over 60% of people said they think having a will or estate plan is important.
That gap between belief and action is where many families get blindsided. Simply put: don’t wait. It’s not morbid. It’s responsible and shows love and care for the people who matter most.
Why Estate Planning Matters in Roseville, CA
Living in Roseville has its perks—great schools, growing neighborhoods, and rising home values. But with prosperity comes responsibility.
If you own a home in Westpark or Highland Reserve, run a small business, or have young kids attending Eureka Union schools, you already have an estate worth protecting. And in California’s legal and tax landscape, that means getting ahead with a plan that’s built to work here.
Estate planning isn’t just a financial move—it’s a life move. And the best time to make it? Before you need it.
So… Is It a Good Idea to Do Estate Planning?
Absolutely. Whether you’re 30 or 75, whether your estate is modest or complex, estate planning puts you in control. It saves your family from unnecessary stress, ensures your wishes are respected, and helps preserve the legacy you’ve worked hard to build.
More importantly, it gives you peace of mind today, knowing that whatever tomorrow brings, you’ve already taken care of what matters most.
Ready to Start Your Estate Plan in Roseville?
At Patton Law Group, we help individuals and families in Roseville create clear, customized estate plans tailored to California’s unique laws and your specific goals. Whether you need a will, trust, or full estate plan review, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free. Serving Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and beyond – Let’s protect your legacy—schedule your consultation today.
