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News Updated Date : |
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November 27th, 2009 01:15am |
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Financial & Estate Planning Services In
California
Yes. There are many who call
themselves “trust specialists,” “certified
planners” or other titles that suggest the person has
received advanced training in estate
planning.
California is experiencing an explosion of promotions by
unqualified individuals and entities which only have one real
goal—to gain access to your finances in order to sell
insurance-based products such as annuities and other
commission-based products. To better protect yourself:
- Ask for time to consider and reflect on your decision. Do not
allow yourself to be pressured into purchasing an estate or
financial planning product.
- Know your cancellation rights. California law
requires that sellers who come to your home to sell goods and
services (not including insurance and annuities) that cost more
than $25 must give you two copies of a notice of cancellation form
to cancel your agreement. You, the buyer, may cancel this
transaction up until midnight three business days later. You have
30 days to cancel insurance and annuity transactions.
- Be wary of organizations or offices that are staffed by
non-lawyer personnel and that promote one-size-fits-all living trusts or living trust kits. An
estate plan created by someone who is not a qualified lawyer can
have enormous and costly consequences for your estate. Do not allow
yourself to be pressured into a quick purchase.
- Be wary of home solicitors who insist on obtaining confidential
and detailed information about your assets and finances.
- Find out if any complaints have been filed against the company
by calling local and state consumer protection offices or the
Better Business Bureau.
- Insist on the person’s identification and a description
of his or her qualifications, education, training and expertise in
estate planning. Also, keep in mind
that legal document assistants are not permitted to give legal
advice. And paralegals must work under the direct supervision of a
lawyer. (As a precaution, ask to speak directly to the supervising
attorney if you are not given an opportunity to do so.)
- Always ask for a copy of any document you sign at the time it
is signed.
- Report high-pressure tactics, fraud or misrepresentations to
the police or district attorney immediately.
California State
Bar
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