We all want to protect ourselves and our families, and estate planning is the best thing we can do to accomplish that. Having a good estate plan is critical to protect your property, plan for taxes, and see that your wishes are fulfilled.
No matter your age or financial status, we’ll work with you to develop a plan that protects your interest and helps you achieve your goals.
Wills and Trusts
A will or trust contains legally enforceable instructions to provide for those you care about and dispose of your property as you see fit. Without a will, assets are distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, despite what the decedent or the decedent’s family may have wished or expected.
Trusts are established to provide legal protection for the trustor’s assets, to make sure those assets are distributed according to the wishes of the trustor, and to save time, reduce paperwork and, in some cases, avoid or reduce inheritance or estate taxes.
Trust Administration
Trust administration is typically conducted without the supervision of a probate court. Instead, a trustee handles the trust’s assets and property in accordance with the written trust. We work with trustees and beneficiaries to navigate the complex administration rules and stay current with everchanging laws and resolve any problems that might arise with changes.
Powers of Attorney
General Power of Attorney
Under a general power of attorney, the agent can act in the principal’s stead. The general power of attorney terminates upon the incapacitation, disability, or death of the principal.
Durable Power of Attorney
Unlike a general power of attorney, a durable power of attorney will continue after the principal has become incapacitated or disabled. Alternatively, the durable power of attorney can become effective upon the incapacitation or disability of the principal.
Healthcare Directives
Also called living wills, healthcare directives communicate your wishes regarding healthcare in the event you are unable to do so.
“HIPAA” Healthcare Information Release
This allows for those who you wish to receive disclosures or release of your health care information to be able to do so.
Declaration of Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children
This document declares who you would like to be appointed guardian of your minor children in the event that you are incapacitated or deceased.
Trust Administration
Trust administration is typically conducted without the supervision of a probate court. Instead, a trustee handles the trust’s assets and property in accordance with the written trust. We work with trustees and beneficiaries to navigate the complex administration rules and stay current with everchanging laws and resolve any problems that might arise with changes.
Probate
Probate is the legal process that is used to transfer assets from the decedent to his or her devisees and/or heirs. All the decedent’s debts are settled and taxes are paid before distributing property in accordance with the will and the law. We can help you draft and file all the necessary documents to make the process easy for you during what can be a difficult time.
