This month we are excited to introduce you to business owner and managing attorney Joanna de Vos. Joanna is the owner of The Law Office of Joanna de Vos, APC here in San Diego. She has a true advocate’s heart and a life calling to helping others. Grace Care first met Joanna almost two years ago and we were immediately impressed. Not only is she a best-in-class Estate Planner, but she is also a proud cancer survivor, health advocate, free-lance writer and mother of two terrific boys. Joanna has somehow learned how to do it all and she does it with great passion and heart. We are fortunate to have her as a community resource.
Joanna’s firm specializes in Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate. She earned her Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School in 2002 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. Prior to practicing law Joanna enjoyed a successful career in higher education advancement and charitable gift planning. She is passionate about her family, including her husband Steve and sons Andrew (6) and Evan (4)– they are her joy.
Joanna helps families and individuals transfer their wealth and values to their loved ones with minimal taxes and expenses, while avoiding probate and promoting peace of mind in the family. When it comes to Estate Planning, she believes one size does not fit all. Each and every client she works with has very unique needs. Joanna’s clients rely on her holistic approach to navigate issues relating to health, disability, caregiving, finances, family relationships, quality of life, and end-of-life decision-making. She understands that all of these issues are much more complicated than just discussing the legal options regarding asset protection and preservation. Joanna is passionate about her work and strives to ensure that her clients peacefully pass their legacy, wishes, and wealth to their loved ones and favorite charities.
Below Joanna answers some informative questions about her role and unique holistic approach to Estate Planning.
For someone unfamiliar, can you describe what you do as an Estate Planner?
An estate planning attorney helps protect you, your loved ones, and your assets while you are alive, incapacitated, or when you pass away. Estate planning includes things like creating a will or a revocable living trust, setting up a durable power of attorney for finances and a medical power of attorney for health decisions to avoid undue financial burdens on loved ones and hopefully avoid involving the courts.
Can you define your holistic approach to estate planning and how that is unique?
I describe my practice as “holistic estate planning” because I use collaboration-building strategies to make the estate planning process productive for all members of the family. My goal is to provide legal services that take into account the whole person, including one’s emotions, values, and unique family dynamics. I strive to educate my clients about their options to ensure that their plan meets the needs of their changing lives.
It’s about planning to live well, and preparing ourselves to live the lives we desire by addressing long-term health and financial issues now so that we can leave a legacy of love to our families.
When should someone consider working with an estate planner?
I recommend getting an estate plan in place as soon as possible and definitely BEFORE a crisis happens. We can’t know for certain what the future holds but we can take steps to avoid passing down headache and heartache to family and friends. One of the most important gifts you can give to your family is a well thought out plan for your estate, no matter how small or large it may be.
What type of clients do you generally work with?
My clients come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from seniors to individuals caring for aging parents, to families with minor children, blended families, and families with special needs.
How do you work with care management and home care companies such as Grace Care Management?
I strive to be a resource for my clients to maximize their quality of life, so I often work with companies like Grace Care to provide guidance on long-term health care solutions and assistance to family members. I see this service as a way to ensure that the whole person is getting cared for. All of us will face the challenges of aging and my clients deserve a plan that takes into consideration their support and unique care needs.
Are you accepting new clients and where can we find out more information?
Absolutely! I will offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for Grace Care Clients. Please email me at joanna@estateplanningsd.com or visit https://www.epcsd.org/for more information.
