Selma Estate Planning Lawyer

No one wants to think of their own death. However, taking action now can formalize your wishes, support your loved ones when you are gone, and prevent legal complications later on. A skilled Selma estate planning lawyer can provide options that fit your situation and help with every stage of the estate planning process.

At Fishman, Larsen & Callister, we have over eight decades of combined experience aiding people in Selma, Madera, Fresno, and across the Central Valley with their estate planning cases. Founding partner Robert G. Fishman is a pillar in the local legal community who previously served as a pro tem judge for the Fresno County Superior Court and currently sits on the Fresno Estate Planning Council.

Estate planning is a crucial part of providing for your family and protecting your legacy. The most common type of estate plan is a will, with a 2025 study finding that 24% of respondents reported having a valid will. The same survey found that nearly 60% of Americans had no valid estate planning document. Most understood the importance, with 43% without existing arrangements stating that they simply hadn’t gotten to it yet.

California estate planning is a versatile process that can accommodate a person’s specific needs. The following are a few common legal frameworks that Fishman, Larsen & Callister can help create, modify, and manage:

Wills

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that dictates how someone’s assets are distributed upon their death. The main parties involved include the testator, or the person who creates the will; the executor, who is responsible for carrying out the will’s terms; and the beneficiaries, who receive property from the testator. To be valid, a will must be in writing and signed by at least two witnesses.

After someone dies, wills in California go through probate. Probate is a legal process during which the executor files with the Superior Court for the County in which the testator lived to receive legal authority over the estate. Selma probate matters are handled at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, which is located in Fresno on O Street.

Trusts

Trusts are separate legal entities into which a trustor puts assets. They are managed by a trustee, who acts similarly to an executor in managing and distributing property to beneficiaries. The two main categories of trusts are revocable and irrevocable. Revocable trusts can be modified and adjusted to changing circumstances. Irrevocable trusts are difficult to alter after their creation and are primarily used for asset protection.

Trusts offer many advantages over wills. One key difference is that a trust can take effect while the trustor is still alive but incapacitated. Another benefit is that trusts avoid probate, allowing your loved ones greater privacy during the grieving process. The third upside to trusts is that they provide greater flexibility and specificity for how your assets are managed.

Advance Directives

An advance directive is a formal plan that details your wishes for how you are cared for if you cannot advocate for yourself. These may include preferences about hospice care, palliative care, and whether you choose to prolong your life through life support or other measures.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the ability to make legal decisions on your behalf when you are incapacitated. The scope can be tailored to your wishes and used for financial, legal, or medical choices.

Estate planning can be an overwhelming process for those with little to no legal background. Hire an estate planning lawyer to help you make arrangements. A skilled Selma estate planning attorney can offer many important services, such as:

Q: What Is the Average Cost for an Estate Planning Attorney in California?

A: The cost for an estate planning attorney in California varies between situations and does not have a definitive average. Factors that determine total expenses include the value of involved assets, the case’s complexity, and the total workload. Assistance with creating a simple will that includes minimal provisions typically costs less than a lawyer hired to create multiple interlocking trusts.

During your initial consultation, your attorney can provide a rough estimate for your final bill based on your specific situation.

Q: What Is the 5-by-5 Rule in California Estate Planning Cases?

A: The 5-by-5 rule in California estate planning cases refers to guidelines on the amount a beneficiary can annually receive without being subject to standard taxation. Under federal law, a beneficiary may withdraw either $5,000 or 5% of the trust’s total value (whichever is greater) each year without it being considered a lapse of powers. If a beneficiary withdraws more than that, the sum may lose protections and be subject to additional taxes.

Q: Who Should You Choose as Your Executor or Trustee?

A: Who you should choose as your will’s executor or your trustee changes on a case-by-case basis. The person you designate as your personal representative should be someone you trust and who is suited for the job. Traits you should look for include high financial literacy, organizational skills, availability to serve as your personal representative, and the ability to be objective during distribution.

Q: How Can Your Estate Avoid Probate in California?

A: In California, your estate may avoid probate in many different circumstances. The most common way to circumvent the process is by creating a trust. Trusts are private arrangements and typically allow for asset distribution without court oversight. One way for certain property to avoid probate is to use transfer-on-death designations for bank accounts and deeds. Your attorney can discuss options with you to help prevent lengthy legal proceedings.

At Fishman, Larsen & Callister, we know how overwhelming estate planning can be. We can draw on our decades of combined experience with estate law to guide you through the creation and management of your estate plan.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation, where we can learn your story and provide options that fit your estate planning needs. You may also visit our Fresno offices, located on North Fresno Street, next to Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center, north of Herndon Avenue.