Estate Planning

Estate Planning

Everything you need, all in one place

Will

The legal instrument allowing a person to decide how his or her estate, as well as the care of minor children, will be managed after death.

Trust

A fiduciary relationship in which one party, known as a trustor, gives another party, the trustee, the right to hold title to property or assets for the benefit of a third party, the beneficiary.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A legal document that lets you give someone legal authority to make important decisions about your medical care.

Probate

A legal process in which a will is reviewed to determine whether it is valid and authentic; the general administering of a deceased person's will or estate of a deceased person without a will.

Popular Questions

If you have questions, we are happy to help. Please feel free to contact us.

  • Why should I prepare an estate plan?

    An estate plan is essential for a number of reasons. First, it protects your assets for your heirs. Second, it allows you to participate in the distribution of your assets and possessions. An estate plan allows you to choose who will manage your care and make those important decisions. Additionally, it may help save money for your heirs by avoiding expensive court battles. Though this names only a few, the list of benefits is extensive, and a comprehensive estate plan is among the best ways to protect the fruits of your labor.

  • Do I need to hire an attorney to create an estate plan?

    Though there are self-help resources, an experienced and skilled estate planning attorney will draft documents that are accurate and clear to avoid unnecessary confusion. Some of the issues with plans created through self-help kits are as follows: not enough witnesses, failure to validate signatures, not citing the correct law that governs the estate's administration, failing to include several provisions that will cause the executor or trustee to have to appear in court (and pay the accompanying fees). An estate planning attorney will help get your affairs in order correctly to avoid as many issues as possible. 

  • What is the difference between a will and a revocable trust?

    There are several differences between a will and a revocable trust. A will is simple to create, requires witnesses, names the beneficiaries of your estate, and appoints guardians for children. However, it does require probate, nor does it protect from court challenges. A revocable trust, on the other hand, protects from court challenges, requires a transfer of property, and keeps privacy after death. A trust is more involved and, therefore, costs more to create. Undoubtedly, the two work best in tandum to maximize the protection of your assets. 

  • What is probate?

    Probate is a court-supervised proceeding to administer the estate of a decedent. As a whole, the process involves authenticating the will, satisfying debts against the estate, and distributing assets to the decedent's beneficiaries. Between the filing, bond, and representative fees, probate can cost between 3-5% of the estate. 

  • Should I have a healthcare power of attorney?

    Yes, you should have a healthcare power of attorney for many reasons, but there are a couple in particular. It permits you to decide who should make decisions on your behalf if you are physically or mentally incapacitated, as opposed to leaving it to the courts. For your family, it also eases the burden of making decisions for your healthcare without knowing your wishes. 

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