Business Spotlight: Attorney offers free legal planning workshop for families, March 26 in San Diego

• BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

“It’s hard to believe, but 69 percent of parents don’t have a Will, and even those who do, still risk their children being taken from their home, at least temporarily, if they are injured or die,” said trust and estate lawyer Kristina Hess, a mother of three sons.

“Think about it, she poses. If children are at home with a babysitter or at school and the parents are in an accident and can’t communicate, the police have no choice but to call in child protective services until they can figure out what to do. That can mean temporary foster care,” according to Hess.

Hess said when she discovered her kids would be taken into the foster care system if she was injured or died — even though she had a Will — she realized traditional “estate planning” does not adequately protect young children.

“Parents spend so much time agonizing over who they leave their kids with when they run to the store or go to work; and, yet, the vast majority don’t even have a Will,” she said. “Those who do have a will, still risk leaving their precious children at the mercy of the foster care system in the short term if they are injured or die.”

Hess, based in Carmel Valley, will present a workshop to teach parents “7 Easy Steps You MUST Take To Protect Your Minor Children In Today’s Crazy World,” 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the Pump It Up, inflatable party zone, 9370 Waples St., Suite 102 in the Sorrento Valley area of San Diego.

Not only is the workshop free, but Hess said she’s arranged for food and playtime for children with Pump It Up staff while their parents attend the seminar. In addition, she will raffle off prizes and give away $500 in gifts.

Space is limited to the first 12 families who call her 24/7 reservation hotline at (858) 207-4884 or register online at krhess.com/events

For more information, call Kristina R. Hess at (858) 461-6844.

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