Safeguard Your Future With an Estate Planning Attorney

October 13, 2025
Estate planning attorney with two clients at their home explaining documentation.

When it comes to protecting your assets and ensuring your loved ones are provided for, there’s no substitute for a solid estate plan. Individuals and families regularly turn to a reputable estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, like Steve C. Benton, Attorney at Law, to design personalized plans that honor their wishes and protect their assets. Whether you’re building your wealth, entering retirement, or caring for dependents, effective estate planning offers peace of mind that your legacy will be secured according to your intent.

The Importance of Estate Planning in Sacramento, CA

Without an estate plan, state laws and probate courts may end up deciding how your assets are handled and who inherits them. Working with an estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, helps ensure that these critical decisions are made by you, not by the court system, potentially saving your loved ones considerable time, expense, and frustration.


For many, “estate planning” conjures images of extensive wealth or complicated legal maneuvering. However, comprehensive planning is not exclusive to the wealthy. It’s a practical step for anyone who owns property, manages assets, or simply wishes to provide for their family, regardless of net worth. Let’s explore key components of the estate planning process and how an estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, can help secure your legacy.

Assessing Your Assets and Estate Planning Goals

Before drawing up any documents, the first task in estate planning involves a clear-eyed evaluation of your assets, liabilities, and individual goals. An estate planning lawyer in Sacramento, CA, will guide you through a detailed assessment of everything you own, from homes and vehicles to financial accounts, investments, business interests, and even digital property.


This assessment isn’t just about tallying numbers. It’s a holistic review of what you’ve built, what you owe, and who you want to provide for in the future. Your attorney will also encourage you to consider emotional or sentimental priorities, such as family heirlooms or charitable giving. By examining your complete financial and personal picture, you lay the foundation for a plan that meets both your practical and personal objectives.


As you assess your circumstances, some important questions to consider include:


• Who relies on you financially?

• Are there any unique family dynamics or potential disputes?

• Do you own out-of-state or international assets?

• What are your preferred retirement or charitable-giving goals?


By providing these details to your estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, you enable the creation of an estate plan that truly reflects your wishes and intentions.

Wills vs. Trusts: Essential Tools for Every Estate Plan

Both wills and trusts are common instruments used by an estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, to secure your legacy. Understanding the distinctions between them helps you make decisions that align with your goals.

Wills 

A will is a legal document that outlines your instructions regarding the distribution of your property after death. It can also name guardians for minor children and specify funeral or burial preferences. However, a will typically must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and public. In California, probate can sometimes be costly and lengthy, especially for high-value estates or those with complex assets.

Trusts 

Trusts provide a greater degree of privacy and control than wills. When you transfer assets into a trust, they are managed by a trustee for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. Trusts can help avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, preserve assets for minor children or individuals with special needs, and set specific conditions for how and when your property is distributed.


One of the main benefits of working with an estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, is the ability to customize will or trust provisions to address your unique situation. Your attorney can recommend the best solution, or combination of both, to help you achieve your objectives.

Naming Beneficiaries and Executors: Making the Right Choices

The selection of beneficiaries and fiduciaries (such as executors or trustees) is a crucial element of estate planning. An estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, assists clients in choosing individuals or institutions that are trustworthy, responsible, and willing to carry out your wishes.

Beneficiaries 

Beneficiaries are those who will receive your assets after your passing. They may include family members, friends, charities, or organizations. Choose beneficiaries thoughtfully and review designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts regularly, as these can take precedence over your will or trust instructions in some cases.

Executors and Trustees 

The executor (for a will) or trustee (for a trust) is responsible for settling your estate and distributing assets. It’s wise to choose someone who is organized and impartial and to name one or more alternates in case your primary choice cannot serve. Your estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, can help you evaluate candidates, explain their duties, and ensure the proper legal formalities are followed.

Planning for Taxes and Special Circumstances

Working with an estate planning lawyer in Sacramento, CA, goes far beyond the basics of dividing up property. California law, federal estate taxes, and personal circumstances can all have a profound impact on how an estate should be structured.

Tax Planning 

While not everyone will owe federal estate taxes, larger estates or those with certain types of assets may benefit from advanced tax planning. An estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, can outline ways to reduce or defer taxes through gifting strategies, charitable contributions, or specific trust structures.

Special Circumstances 

Life is rarely straightforward. If you have minor children, dependents with disabilities, blended families, or family members who may need extra protections (such as those with addiction issues), your estate plan should address these situations. A thoughtfully designed plan protects vulnerable individuals and can help prevent future conflict.


As family arrangements and financial situations evolve, periodic reviews of your estate plan with your estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, are essential. Keeping your plan current ensures it continues to reflect your wishes and safeguards everyone involved.

Estate planning lawyer signing an official document in her office.

The Value of Professional Guidance in Estate Planning

Navigating estate law alone can be daunting, and even minor omissions or errors can lead to unintended consequences. A consultation with an estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, provides reassurance that your plan is legally sound and well-tailored.


Beyond drafting documents, attorneys offer invaluable perspectives on state and federal law, tax implications, family dynamics, and long-term administration. By developing a trusted relationship with your estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, you’ll have a go-to resource for updates, changes, or questions that arise throughout your lifetime.


While some may consider using a local estate planning lawyer or online form, nothing replaces the insight and guidance of a dedicated attorney like Steve C. Benton, who knows Sacramento, CA’s legal landscape and has experience with the concerns common to local residents.

Take the Next Step With Steve C. Benton, Attorney at Law

Your legacy, your loved ones, and your peace of mind deserve the attentive care of a skilled estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA. At Steve C. Benton, Attorney at Law, you’ll receive guidance that reflects both the legal requirements and the values that matter most to you. Don’t wait for a crisis to start thinking about your plan. Secure your future and empower your family today. Call (916) 484-4465 now to schedule your consultation with an estate planning attorney in Sacramento, CA, at Steve C. Benton, Attorney at Law, and take the first step toward lasting peace of mind.

Legal advisor lawyer examining and signing legal documents.

Why You Need a Trust Lawyer in Sacramento, CA

August 12, 2025
Learn why working with a trust lawyer matters. Steve C. Benton, Attorney at Law, in Sacramento, CA, can help—call (916) 484-4465 or click here to learn more.
Gavel on wooden block in front of a lawyer in a blue suit, scales of justice in the background.

Estate Planning Attorney | Sacramento, CA | Steve C. Benton

By admin • June 13, 2025
Learn what to expect from an estate planning attorney at Steve C. Benton, Attorney at Law, in Sacramento, CA. Call (916) 484-4465 or click here to start.

Disinheriting People From Your Will: What You Need to Know

By Admin • December 8, 2017
Estate planning is an important part of life for everyone. It is crucial that you have your financial house in order before you pass away so that everything is handled as per your wishes. One major thing to consider is who will receive an inheritance upon your death. When making your will, you can include those to whom you wish to leave money or property. For one reason or another, you may decide that you wish to disinherit someone you have included in your will. That is your right, no matter what anyone else may think. There are several things to keep in mind when you intend to disinherit someone from your will.

Two Types of People Who May Benefit From a Living Trust

By Admin • October 10, 2017
If you are beginning to engage in estate planning, or are just looking to make adjustments to the plan that you already have in place, you may want to consider establishing a revocable living trust. This is very different than just creating a will. Although both will eventually get the contents of your estate to your beneficiaries, a living trust offers you additional benefits while you are living. A living trust is not for everyone, but you may want to consider it if you fit into one of these two categories.
Hands cradling a miniature house model, white and red facade, grey roof, symbolizing home ownership.

Living Trusts in California: Frequently Asked Questions

By Admin • August 8, 2017
When you hear the words "estate planning," you may assume this is only an issue you need to face if you're older, or that it is a problem reserved for the wealthy. However, no matter your age or how much money you have in the bank, it is important to protect your assets and loved ones from unnecessary heartaches, squabbles and costs after you're gone. One of the best options for many people is a living trust. You may be familiar with the idea of a trust or will but not sure what exactly a living trust is and if it is the best option for you and your family. Here are a few frequently asked questions you might have about living trusts.
A person in a suit writing in a book at a desk, law books in the background.

Protect Your Family By Securing Your Assets - Avoiding Mistakes In Estate Planning

By Admin • June 23, 2017
Facing your own mortality can be a difficult challenge for anyone. It may not be particularly pleasant to imagine the world after you've left it, but if you've spent your life working hard to build a strong financial base, it's important that it can be passed on to your loved ones with minimal restrictions and interference. Unfortunately, there are some common traps that many people fall into when planning their estates. In some cases, those traps may not even reveal themselves until the estate is executed, by which time it's far too late to fix the problem. The best way to minimize those concerns is to take the time to learn about common traps and ways you can avoid them. Below, you'll find a guide to common estate planning mistakes that you should keep in mind when working with your attorney. Solid estate planning will be a massive relief to your family and interests after you've passed on and will allow you to leave a legacy that you can be truly proud of.
Beige stucco house with red tile roof, arched entry, and lush landscaping on a brick driveway.

5 Essentials You Need to Understand About Estate Taxes

By Admin • April 10, 2017
Worried about estate taxes? Want to protect your estate from taxation after your death? Then, proper estate planning is critical. First, however, you may want to understand a few basics about estate taxes. Here's what you need to consider.

The Importance of Estate Planning

By Admin • February 10, 2017
Too many people neglect estate planning, so that when the time comes, children and family members must face the unpleasant task of determining who will get all of the things you spent your life accumulating. Many people assume that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but the truth is that even if your home isn’t expensive and you don’t have large investments, there are good reasons to consider making plans for your future.