As an estate planning lawyer, I advise clients in the creation and implementation of plans that effectively express the client’s personal desires regarding the disposition and protection of assets while providing potential tax advantages and security for family and beneficiaries.
I help clients prepare their Last Wills whether simple or complex. Without a Will, State law determines who inherits your property. A Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney are all an important part of an estate plan and I work with my clients to put these documents in place. There are many complexities that can affect an estate plan. An essential element to plan an estate is to obtain kinship and asset information.
I fully review these matters with clients so that any future probate or estate administration concerns may be alleviated. Missing or unknown relatives can create kinship issues that can delay probate or intestate administration. Also there are many assets that a Will does not control such as those that pass by operation of law like joint tenancy with respect to real property or assets held by a trust. I explore these matters with clients so that the estate plan reflects a client’s intentions and desires.
Estate taxes must be considered as well as a person’s kinship. Some situations may require the creation of a Living Trust to provide long-term protection from incapacity or to avoid the probate process. Contact me to talk about creating a plan that can benefit both you and those you want to protect and benefit.
