Estate Planning

We approach estate planning with sensitivity, patience, and confidentiality. To begin every estate plan,  we set up an initial meeting together to discuss your wishes. Then we get to work, using  our creativity and experience to create the best estate plan for you. Below are some of the fundamental documents that we will discuss as part of your estate plan. 

This document sets forth your final wishes for the administration of your estate, and the disposition of your assets. In your Will, you will appoint the person called an Executor/Executrix who will be in charge of settling your estate. You will also establish whom you want to receive your assets, and when they receive them. By creating a validly executed will, you can establishes peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

For some estate plans, we will recommend to a client that we use a Trust to implement your wishes. Some of the instances when we recommend the use of a trust or trusts are to:

• Minimize paying federal estate taxes (an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust  will save federal estate taxes by removing the value of life insurance death benefit from a taxable estate)
• Provide for individuals with special needs without disrupting the person’s entitlement to government benefits (Special Needs Trust)
• Provide for children of a prior marriage 
• Delay or control the timing and amount of inheritance (Most frequently used with young children and adults who may not have the life experiences to handle receiving their inheritance in a single lump sum)  
• Keep family details and assets private

This document allows you to appoint a person, called an agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are not able to make those decisions yourself as well as outline your wishes should you be in an end of life stage. We will counsel you on the appropriate completion of this document so that your intentions are honored at this stage of life.

A power of attorney is your authorization to appoint another person or persons to act for you during your lifetime. The most common type of power of attorney is a "durable power of attorney" which becomes effective upon acceptance by your agent.  We strongly recommend that every person have a valid power of attorney.  If something were to happen, and you did not have a power of attorney in place, your family would be required to obtain a court order to take action on your behalf. This expensive alternative can be avoided by having a power of attorney in place.