Estate Planning
If you wish to leave behind a meaningful legacy, be it for loved ones or a charitable institution, you need to put a well-thought-out estate plan in place. Without an established plan, the fate of your estate could be determined by the government, lawyers, or people that don’t have your interests and best wishes in mind.
Having an estate plan is paramount in ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes. Together with your estate planning attorney, we can assist in reviewing your situation so your estate benefits the people and charities you care about most.
What We Can Do For You
- Will education: We can help you understand how to structure your will so your legal team can create a document that reflects how you want your estate disposed of and distributed. From simple wills to testamentary, joint, and living wills – we'll help you navigate the complexities so you can brief your legal team with confidence.
- Creating Powers of Attorney (POA): Whether managing specific assets like investments or real estate, or enabling healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated, a POA ensures your wishes are followed. Working with your legal team, we'll help you understand what a well-crafted POA should cover – including final arrangements and estate decisions after you pass.
- Choosing executors: The executor of your estate plays a critical role in how your affairs are handled after you pass. We'll help you understand what to look for when appointing someone to this role – particularly where minor children or guardians are involved – so you're well-prepared when working with your legal team to make it official.
- Designating beneficiaries: Choosing your beneficiaries carefully is essential to ensuring your assets reach the right people. We'll help you think through your options and dependents' needs, so you can give your legal team clear direction when formalizing your estate plan.
- Minimizing estate taxes and probate fees: Taxes and fees can significantly erode your estate before your beneficiaries receive anything. We'll help you understand the strategies available to reduce this impact, which you can then explore further in conjunction with your legal and tax advisors.
- Estate protection: Assets like long-term investments and property need active protection and management after you pass. We'll help you understand what's at stake and what protections to consider, so you can coordinate the right legal safeguards with your legal team.
- Distribute your legacy: We'll work with you to align your estate plan and will, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your final wishes – and that your legal team has everything they need to carry them out.
Schedule a meeting with us to see what an estate plan can do for you.
Our firm does not provide legal advice or services. Please consult your legal advisor or an estate planning attorney regarding your specific situation.