Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Probate Administration

Estate Planning
One of the easiest things to put off is the making of a will.  You've probably thought about it enough times and then decided you'd think about it more some other time.  Maybe you thought you just didn't have enough worldly possessions that anyone would worry about who-got-what after you died.  Maybe that's true, but it's more likely there are other issues you are overlooking. 

• Do you have minor children?  Did you ever wonder what would happen to them if you died while they were still young? 
• Did you ever stop and think about what you wanted for yourself should you ever be unable to make medical decisions on your own? 
• Do you wish to make "winding up" your affairs as painless as possible for the loved ones you leave behind?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then making a plan for yourself or your estate makes perfect sense.  Estate planning is about more than just deciding what happens to your assets after your death.  It lets you think about people, like your children and who should care for them.  It lets you think about charities that could benefit from your generosity.  It lets you think about yourself, and the kind of medical care you want when you can't speak for yourself by designating medical decision makers through medical powers of attorney, living wills and stand-by guardians.

Probate Administration
The estate plan is the first part of the equation.  It is followed by probate administration when you, or someone you know dies.  We have helped many clients work through the final affairs of a spouse or loved one-gathering assets, paying bills generated by a final illness and funeral and distributing cash and other property to the appropriate heirs. Because the administration of a probate estate is the last work you will do for someone after their death, it is important that it be done right.  Issues come up that perhaps you had never thought of before, and it's reassuring to have someone working with you who has been down the road many times before.

If you need help deciding what kind of plan you need-how much detail is right for you; or if you need assistance winding up the affairs of a close relative or personal friend, we have the experience to guide you through these important decisions.  If you need an estate plan, we are familiar with all of the tools available to make a good one.  We also have the experience to know what is appropriate for one client may not be right for you.   Call us today for an appointment to discuss your needs.  We're ready to listen.