Estate planning includes preparing for the transfer of assets after one's passing by a last will and testament, a trust, beneficiary designations, titling of assets, and other similar means. Estate planning can ensure that a person's wishes are carried out after their death, and that their assets are distributed according to their desires. By engaging in estate planning, individuals can also help minimize the potential for conflicts and disputes among family members and other beneficiaries. Estate planning can also help to avoid the necessity of appointing a guardian to make decisions about your property and your person if you ever became incapacitated.

Estate planning is important for several reasons:

• Distributing assets: One of the primary goals of estate planning is to ensure that your assets are distributed to your intended beneficiaries in the manner you desire. This can be accomplished through a last will and testament, trusts, and other estate planning tools.

• Minimizing taxes: Estate planning can also help minimize the amount of taxes your estate will owe upon your death. With planning, you can reduce estate taxes, income taxes, and gift taxes.

• Protecting beneficiaries: Estate planning can also help protect your beneficiary’s inheritance from creditors and lawsuits.

• Providing for dependents: Estate planning can ensure that your dependents, such as children or elderly parents, are cared for after your death.

• Avoiding probate: Probate is the legal process by which a court distributes your assets after your death. Estate planning can help you avoid probate, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Overall, estate planning can help provide peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes, that your loved ones will be taken care of after your death, and that any charitable gifts will be properly distributed. By engaging in proper estate planning, individuals can minimize the potential for conflicts among beneficiaries and ensure that their inheritance is a positive legacy for future generations.

Estate planning is essential for securing your family's future and assets. We offer a range of services to address your unique needs and goals. Our attorneys are experienced in handling sophisticated planning techniques and know the importance of estate planning instruments that are clear, unambiguous, yet flexible to accommodate changed circumstances. We also understand how estate planning techniques and strategies may assist in protecting you.

Types of cases that we handle:

• Planning for Incapacity: We help clients prepare for potential incapacity, authorizing agents to manage their property and make healthcare decisions.

• Wills and Trusts: Our attorneys handle estate planning for all financial levels, from simple estates to complex arrangements (including business succession planning).

• Charitable Gifts and Trusts: We assist clients in planning and implementing charitable gifts and forming tax-exempt organizations.

Our goal is to assist you in planning for your own benefit and protection as well as the benefit and protection of your family or others. We know how good planning can help families avoid difficult situations.