Estate Planning
Assisting You in Figuring Out the Court System
Dealing with probate issues, figuring out the court system, and having money and assets held up for months or even years is a terrible thing to go through while simultaneously mourning a loved one. Fortunately, most of that can be prevented with some basic estate planning.
Estate Planning Services
Some people believe that estate planning is only essential for people with large “estates,” in other words, families with much wealth. However, estate planning covers so much more than money, real estate, and investments. Done correctly, estate planning is how you make your intentions and wishes clear about who will care for your minor children upon your passing instead of letting a judge you’ve never even met decide.
With a properly executed will or trust, you can decide who will manage your affairs and make healthcare decisions if you are incapacitated due to an illness or injury. If you’re married, your spouse would clearly make those decisions, but what if he or she were also incapacitated? Who do you trust to make those decisions?
In my practice, I work with a wide range of clients, helping them protect their assets for future generations of their families. Often, their primary assets are little more than the equity in a home and money in a 401(k). However, no matter what they add up to in terms of value, a lack of a will or trust could mean real problems for your family as the estate works its way through probate.
I also offer estate planning services that involve the following issues:
No matter what your circumstances are, the size of the estate, or how many heirs you have, my purpose as your estate planning attorney is to make sure you and your family are prepared for the passing of a loved one. And with every client, I strive to handle these needs with the highest levels of professionalism and compassion.
Estate Administration
I work with executors, administrators, and trustees to accomplish all tasks associated with the orderly administration of trusts and estates. The Firm assists clients with all phases of estate and trust administration, including:
Protect Your Family
When a family is dealing with the loss of a loved one, it's the absolute worst time to face decisions that will permanently impact everyone in the family. Families are too often left in turmoil without effective estate planning, such as a will or trust. At the same time, they try to sort out misunderstandings and disagreements, all at a time when they should be dealing with their grief, remembering, and honoring the family member who has recently passed. Additionally, when there is no estate plan in place, the estate goes through a probate process that can take months, if not years, to finalize.
Fortunately, most of these issues can be addressed effectively and cost-efficiently in advance, resulting in peace of mind for you and your family. As an experienced, licensed estate planning attorney, I have an extensive background in helping families and individuals protect their families and assets.
Wills and Trusts
Families use these two most common tools to protect their financial assets. Which of these options, a will or trust, is right for your family depends on your circumstances.
The Firm’s Estate Planning Practice includes the preparation of: