Don’t Wait: Why Procrastinating Your Estate Plan Can Cost Your Family. Where is an Estate Planning Attorney Near Me?

The Clock is Ticking!

Most people understand the importance of having an estate plan—yet too many delay it until it’s too late, leaving their families to face unnecessary confusion, court involvement, and costly consequences.

As an estate planning attorney in California, I see the results of procrastination all the time. Families come to me after a loved one has passed or become incapacitated without the right documents in place. The result? Expensive court proceedings, unnecessary delays, stress, and in some cases, unintended distributions of assets.

Let me share a few real risks of waiting too long to plan:

🔹 A Health Crisis Can Strike Without Warning

None of us knows when an accident, illness, or incapacity might strike. Without a proper Power of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directive, your loved ones may be forced to go to court just to manage your finances or make medical decisions on your behalf.

This is known as a conservatorship proceeding—and it’s something that a properly drafted estate plan can easily avoid.

🔹 Dying Without a Plan Means the State of California Decides

If you pass away without a trust or will, California law determines who receives your assets. This process—called intestate succession—does not take into account your personal wishes, relationships, or values. Even worse, your estate will likely go through probate, which is a long and expensive court process.

Do you really want the California State Legislature to control your estate when you die?!?

🔹 Trusts Only Work if They’re Done Ahead of Time

A revocable living trust is one of the best tools to avoid probate in California—but only if it’s created and funded while you’re alive and competent. Once someone loses capacity, it’s often too late to put a trust in place without court involvement.

🔹 Biblical Wisdom Warns Against Delay

Jesus told a parable about a wealthy man who stored up treasures for himself and said, “Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’”— Luke 12:20 (NIV)

Jesus’s main point was about being “rich toward God.” But notice God’s question: “Who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

That question echoes the heart of estate planning. We don’t know when our time will come. Estate planning is part of faithful stewardship. Out of gratitude for how God has blessed you—and love for the people you’ll leave behind—it’s wise to make a plan now that honors your values and protects your family.

Bottom Line: The Only Time to Plan Is Now. You may be asking "Where is an Estate Planning Attorney Near Me?"

If you are wondering where is an estate planning attorney near me, and if you’ve been meaning to “get around” to your estate plan, take this as your sign. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming—but it does need to be done before something unexpected happens.

At the Miller Elder Law Firm, we make the process straightforward and personalized to your needs. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Your family will be glad you did.

👉 Call Russell C. Miller, Esq. to Schedule Your Free Estate Planning Consultation Today📞 (559) 625-4205 | 🌐 www.visaliaestateplanning.com