The Law Office of William E. Eick focuses on wills, trusts, estate planning, probate and estate administration conservatorships and real estate transactions. This attention to carefully defined topics means that clients can rest assured they are in good hands.
 
Wills
Wills were traditionally used to transfer assets at ones death. While wills are still used, some people have elected to create trusts. Often times wills are easier to understand than trusts because they are usually shorter in length.
 
Trusts
Trusts are an important alternative to wills. While still ultimately subject to the Court's jurisdiction, trusts can avoid the initial court probate process that, under certain circumstances, can be expensive and time consuming. Trusts also provide an alternative to conservatorships if the client is no longer able to handle his or her own affairs.
 
Estate Planning
Attorney William E. Eick handles a variety of estate planning matters, including planning for the distribution of an individual's property at his or her death and taking into account wills, taxes, insurance, property, and trusts so as to gain the maximum benefit of all laws, while, at the same time, carrying out the client's wishes. Good estate planning ensures that the legacy of a lifetime of hard work is distributed according to personal wishes, rather than by governmental rules.
 
Probate & Estate Administration
The firm specializes in probate and estate administration. Probate is the legal process by which a person's debts are paid and assets are distributed upon her or his death. Estate administration includes probate as well as non-probate transfers of the loved one's property and assets. In the absence of a will or a trust, California State Laws direct the probate court how to distribute the estate. Such a distribution goes to close relatives but the distribution depends on many factors which need to be carefully analyzed.
 
Conservatorships
In California there are several types of conservatorships. Some conservatorships are for adults who are no longer able to handle their own affairs and who do not have other mechanisms in place, such as trusts or a power of attorney, to handle financial affairs and advanced health care directives to handle certain medical issues. Conservatorships are subject to Court oversight. The extent of the Court oversight has recently increased.
 
Real Estate
The Law Office of William E. Eick represents both commercial clients and individuals in all proceedings and transactions that deal with real property--land and the structures attached to it--including purchase and sale, construction, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, zoning and quiet title actions.