Estate Planning
We understand that planning for the future or unforeseen events is difficult, but important for you and your family. We are here to help.
Probate
If you do not have a living trust when you pass away, your loved ones might have to file a court action to get your property. This process is called probate.
Probate is a court proceeding that settles a deceased person’s estate, which includes settling debts and distributing a deceased person’s property to his or her heirs. Probate requires every step to be supervised by the court and the final distribution of assets pass according to law. Probate can be difficult, both emotionally and financially.
A probate action involves significant court costs and legal expenses for your loved ones. It is also a lengthy process and often takes well over a year to finalize.
When a probate is necessary, we work closely with our clients to ensure the process is effortless, thorough, and clear.
Trusts, Wills, and Powers of Attorney
Trusts
Make sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes by creating a living trust.
In order to avoid the cost and expense of probate, our attorneys are here to guide you through your estate planning needs and prepare a living trust. Trusts help prevent your assets from going to probate and also help to make sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Living trusts are revocable and can be amended. So if your circumstances change, you are not bound by the terms of your trust.
Wills
In addition to drafting trusts, our attorneys work closely with clients to draft wills.
Wills, like trusts, allow you to designate how your assets are to be distributed to your loved ones or beneficiaries. A will allows you to allocate assets and is also useful when minors are involved.
Certain wills, such as pour-over wills, also function alongside trusts and add additional peace of mind.
Occasionally, a trust is not necessary for a client and one of our attorneys may recommend drafting a will instead. Contact one of our attorneys to get a clear understanding of your estate plan so you can better plan for your future.
Powers of Attorney
Another important aspect of estate planning is a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone the power to act on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so (e.g. dementia, incapacity, etc.).
A power of attorney is in effect for only as long as you are alive, and the powers of the attorney-in-fact range from managing financial matters to providing for medical and personal care.
In the event you do not have a valid power of attorney and become incapacitated or otherwise unable to act for yourself, your loved ones would have to spend thousands of dollars filing a conservatorship action in court to get appointed as your personal representative.
Certain wills, such as pour-over wills, also function alongside trusts and add additional peace of mind.
Occasionally, a trust is not necessary for a client and one of our attorneys may recommend drafting a will instead. Contact one of our attorneys to get a clear understanding of your estate plan so you can better plan for your future.
Full Estate Plan
We work with clients to create an individually tailored estate plan to meet their needs. Our office can help you prepare a full estate plan to better prepare for the unforeseeable events in their future.
Our tailored estate planning package includes the following documents:
- Trusts
- Wills
- Certification of Trust
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Personal Care Power of Attorney
- Advance Health Care Directive
- HIPPA Release
- Deeds to transfer real property
- Assignment of property in trust
With our comprehensive estate plan, we ensure that your goals are protected and that your loved ones receive what you want without undue delays or unnecessary legal fees and costs. We take pride in the fact that our clients have peace of mind knowing their estate is in order and that they are protected during difficult times.
Request a Consultation:
Please contact us to discuss your estate planning needs in detail.