Legal Practice Areas
Attorney Jack Wilkerson provides legal services for the surrounding counties of Southern California, in the following practice areas:
Estate Planning (Living Trusts)
There are a variety of reasons why you should consider estate planning. A few of the reasons are:
Avoiding Probate
Avoiding probate is by far the most common reason why people seek out the advice of an estate planning attorney. Not only is probate expensive, it is very time consuming and complex. A properly designed estate plan will avoid that expense and delay.
Reducing Estate Taxes
If your estate is of sufficient size to incur Federal Estate Taxes, estate planning can reduce or even possibly eliminate that tax altogether.
Providing for Children and Special Needs Beneficiaries
A living trust can provide financial protection and security for your children or persons with special needs.
With an estate plan you may specify that your designated trustee is to handle your children's finances even after they reach adulthood. This will provide peace of mind to you knowing that their security will not be jeopardized because of immaturity. If your children are minors when they receive their inheritance, an estate plan will avoid the complications and expense of a court appointed guardian.
Your trustee will also oversee the finances of the beneficiary with special needs, such as a person with a developmental disability.
Easing Burdens on Your Loved Ones
Part of the estate planning design includes your designation as to how you want your healthcare decisions and financial matters handled in case you become incapacitated. Your spouse and/or children will greatly appreciate knowing how you want your finances to be handled and what type of medical treatment you wish. In addition, you'll ease their burden by specifying funeral arrangements and decisions regarding donation of organs after your death.
Probate
Probate involves paying the creditors of a decedent and distributing the remaining assets to his or her heirs or beneficiaries. There are several ways to do so, depending on the value and character of the decedents’ assets.
This can be a very difficult process, especially following the death of a loved one. I will assist you by making it as simple and fast as possible. Call so that I can explain the process.
Bankruptcy
Few things can be more disruptive to a family then having to receive threatening letters and calls from creditors. Although recent congressional legislation has made it more difficult for consumers, there are two types of bankruptcy proceedings available.
A chapter 11 bankruptcy is aimed way to force your creditors to accept payments which you can afford. A chapter 7 bankruptcy will free you from all of your dischargeable debts. However, there are prerequisites to filing, and not everyone will qualify.
Call today to set up a free consultation so that we can help you determine if bankruptcy is an option and if so, the most advantageous type for you. We will also determine your qualifications and assist you with the prerequisite of credit counseling.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
If you've suffered a personal injury or the death of a loved one in an auto or motorcycle accident, or sustained and injury because of any intentional or negligent action of another, we can assist you in obtaining the maximum recovery amount to which you are entitled. There is no out-of-pocket cost to you,
Divorce
The breakup of a marriage or domestic partnership is one of the most traumatic and stressful events anyone will encounter. If this happens to you, we can help with advice and/or drafting of an agreement resolving the division of your property; child custody, visitation and support; spousal support; and, allocation of community debts.
If you are considering marriage and would like to consider a prenuptial agreement, I will also be happy to assist.
Corporations, LLCs and Partnerships
We can assist in drafting partnership agreements, incorporating a business or creating a limited liability company (LLC).
Pension Issues
With more than 15 years in the administration of union trust benefits, including several types of retirement plans, I have extensive knowledge of various types of retirement plans, and can assist you in resolving problems with the plan administrator and making decisions regarding the most advantageous options available to you at the time you retire.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Hopefully you will never be faced with the charge of driving under the influence. However, if you do, it is important that you obtain legal advice without delay. Not only can you be subject to prosecution in a court of law, you will also be subjected to administrative penalties by the DMV. You will have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to contest the DMV administrative penalties.
Expungement of Criminal Convictions
If you were previously convicted of a crime and have completed your sentence, the conviction may be expunged from your record. You can then honestly answer “no” when asked whether or not you have been convicted of a crime. Call me to see if you qualify.
Free Referrals for all Other Fields
If you have a legal issue in an area that is not listed, I will be more than happy to find an attorney for you that specializes in that the field. There will be no charge for doing so.
Contact Jack Wilkerson Law Firm today to speak with our attorney about help with your legal needs.