Secure Your Future: Affordable California Estate Planning

Navigating estate planning paperwork can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Shanea O’Connor Services, Inc. provides accurate, affordable estate planning document preparation for California residents who know what they want and prefer professional assistance without the cost of full legal representation.

Shanea O’Connor is a registered California Legal Document Assistant (LDA) serving San Francisco County, dedicated to helping self-represented individuals prepare essential estate planning documents clearly, correctly, and efficiently.

What Is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA)?

A Legal Document Assistant (LDA)—formerly known as an independent paralegal—is a non-attorney professional authorized under California law to prepare legal documents at the direction of the client.

LDAs do not provide legal advice, but they can assist with drafting and completing legal forms, ensuring documents are properly formatted and compliant with California requirements. This allows clients to manage their legal affairs confidently and cost-effectively, without paying attorney fees for document preparation.

At Shanea O’Connor Services, Inc., we understand that not everyone needs a complex estate plan—but everyone deserves peace of mind.

Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?

An estate plan isn't just for the wealthy; it's a vital tool for anyone who wants to ensure their loved ones are protected and their assets are distributed according to their wishes. Here's why having an estate plan is so beneficial:.

Key benefits include:

• Avoid Probate
  Without an estate plan, California probate can be lengthy, expensive, and public. Proper planning—often including a living trust—can help avoid this process.

• Protect Your Loved Ones
  Designate guardians for minor children and ensure financial care is handled according to your wishes.

• Control Over Your Assets
  Clearly outline how assets are distributed, reducing confusion and family conflict.

• Healthcare Decisions
  Document your medical wishes and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions if you are incapacitated.

• Peace of Mind
  Knowing your affairs are in order brings reassurance to you and those you care about most.

Understanding the Parts of Your Estate Plan

Our California estate planning services typically include the essential documents for a comprehensive yet uncomplicated plan:

• Revocable Living Trust
  Holds assets during your lifetime and directs distribution upon death, often helping avoid probate.

• Pour-Over Will
  Works alongside your trust to ensure assets not already titled in the trust are transferred into it.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
  Authorizes a trusted person to manage financial matters if you become unable to do so.

• Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will)
  Documents your healthcare wishes and appoints a healthcare agent if you are incapacitated.

Important Information About Real Property & Trusts

Our standard estate planning package does not automatically include real property assets (such as homes, condos, or other real estate).

If real estate is intended to be part of a trust, additional documents—typically a deed—are required to reflect ownership changes.

Separate Drafting for Real Property Transfers

When requested, Shanea O’Connor Services can assist with the separate drafting of real property deeds, based solely on the information you provide.

• Deed drafting is not included in the standard estate planning package

• Real property documents are prepared separately

• Drafting and recording fees are separate from estate planning package fees

Electronic Recording Option

Where available, clients may choose to have deeds electronically recorded with the county recorder.

• E-recording availability varies by county

• County recording fees are paid separately

• Electronic recording is offered as a convenience service only

No legal advice is provided regarding whether real property should be placed into a trust or how it should be titled.

Professional Assistance for Those Who Know What They Want

Our estate planning services are ideal for individuals and couples who:

• Have a clear understanding of their goals

• Do not have complex estates or advanced tax considerations

• Do not require ongoing legal advice from an attorney

• Want professionally prepared documents that comply with California requirements

As a Legal Document Assistant, Shanea O’Connor Services prepares documents strictly at your direction, ensuring accuracy, organization, and efficiency throughout the process.

Transparent Pricing

We believe in clear, upfront pricing:

• Individuals: $1,200

• Couples: $1,600

This fee includes preparation of your essential California estate planning documents and delivery of neatly bound completed documents for safekeeping.

Real property deed drafting, recording fees, notarization, and mobile notary services are priced separately.

Don’t Wait — Secure Your Future Today

Delaying estate planning can create unnecessary stress and financial burden for your loved ones. Taking action now ensures your wishes are clearly documented and honored.

Contact Shanea O’Connor Services, Inc. today to discuss your estate planning needs or to schedule an appointment. You may also complete a questionnaire to get started.

.