The Cornerstone Of Any Estate Plan: Your Will

Many people think of a will as simply a note that tells their family “who gets what” after they die. While this is true, there can be much more to a will. Attorney Rod Hatley offers seasoned guidance in will creation. He can walk you through the steps and explain the tools that make your will a powerful legal document and roadmap for your loved ones.

What A Will Should Include

First of all, anyone who is married, who owns a home, who has children or who works full time should have a will, no matter what their age. A will, also called a last will and testament, can include several other documents that are crucial for both the state and your family to understand your exact wishes.

Here are some important components of a will:

The will itself. This can include who should be the guardian of your minor children should the unthinkable happen to you and your spouse or partner. If you do not state your intentions, then the state will decide for you. This is also an opportunity to leave a legacy; to tell your children, spouse or family your heartfelt thoughts and your hopes for them and their futures. For many, this is one of the greatest gifts they receive.
Power of attorney. This designates who will have the power to take over your finances should you become temporarily or permanently unable to do so. Typically this is your spouse or partner but not always. There are other types of powers of attorney as well.
Health care proxy. This document lets your health care provider and family know who you want to make medical decisions for you in the event that you are unable. This is typically a spouse or partner, but again, not always.
Living will. Also called an advance directive or health care directive, this document details your wishes for the type of medical care and treatment you would like should you be unable to communicate your wishes. This can be as specific as you would like. This is important because it removes any doubt from the minds of your family as to what you do and do not want done.

There are other tools that can be added to a will, such as a pour-over will for those who also have a trust. Joint ownership and pay-on-death accounts are also good ideas for many people.

Pass On More Than Just Your Wealth

At Hatley Law Group APC, Rod works with you so that you can pass on your intellectual, spiritual and human wealth to those you love and hold dear. Estate planning can be more than just filling out documents and checking boxes, it can be leaving a legacy and preserving what means so much. Book a Call to set up an appointment and get started. You can also reach Rod at the firm by using the website contact email. Headquartered in San Diego, Rod meets with clients throughout California.

Client Success Stories

Rod gave me his undivided attention, reviewed the information I provided, and was able to advise me as to the steps necessary to administer my husband's SNT

"Before my husband's passing, we worked with another estate planning attorney. We put into place estate planning documents to supplement a special needs trust (SNT) that a paralegal had helped us establish for my husband's benefit following his diagnosis of a critical illness. After my husband died, I didn't feel that I was getting the assistance I needed to administer my husband's SNT, which was both frustrating and upsetting. I was very distraught when I sought a second opinion from Attorney Rodney J. ("Rod") Hatley, who was personally referred to me by another attorney with whom I was working. Rod gave me his undivided attention, reviewed the information I provided, and was able to advise me as to the steps necessary to administer my husband's SNT. I cannot say enough about Rod's integrity, empathy, and his ability to resolve difficult problems calmly and efficiently. Rod is "one in a million" and will always put the care and interests of his clients first so that no client's family has to go through the challenges of conservatorship or probate when a loved one becomes mentally disabled or passes without proper planning."

Deb E.

Rod was happy to review the trust I had set up before I met him

“Rod was happy to review the trust I had set up before I met him. He explained the pros and cons of how the trust documents were worded. I feel confident in following his advice and counsel. I also like the fact that he served in the military and comes highly recommend by a colleague.”

– Susan P.

I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a trust

“Rodney J. Hatley did a trust for my husband and I. It was done in the most unique way. He is very detailed in his work and leaves nothing for you to guess about. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a trust.”

– Rosemarie P.

I have had the pleasure of working with Rod Hatley on a number of client cases

“I have had the pleasure of working with Rod Hatley on a number of client cases. In addition we co-presented several workshops for professionals over several years. I have always found that Rod places a high degree of emphasis on detail and accuracy. He works hard to make sure that clients get the outcomes they want. No stone is left unturned when you collaborate with Rod.”

– John J.

Working with Rod and team on my Living Trust was seamless

“Working with Rod and team on my Living Trust was seamless. They guided me through the process and all my questions were answered. They were professional and truly cared that I understood everything along the way. I was a bit overwhelmed with the process yet Rod was able to counsel me and we got the job done!”

– Tamara M.

The Hatley Law Group made it so easy and fast

“The Family Trust process was much easier than we anticipated. We have been procrastinating for years because it felt overwhelming. The Hatley Law Group made it so easy and fast. We highly recommend their services. Thank you for putting our minds at ease.”

– David R.

Rod REALLY knows his stuff!

“Rod REALLY knows his stuff! We tried Zoom legal and that was a FAIL! Rod set us straight and made us see and understand things that were truly important when planning our future! Thanks, Rod!”

– Julie B.

The team at Hatley Law Group did an amazing job crafting a plan that met our needs

“Estate planning can be a tedious and overwhelming experience. The team at Hatley Law Group did an amazing job crafting a plan that met our needs.”

– Shawn M.