Practice Areas

ESTATE PLANNING

Wills allow a person to direct how their assets will be distributed after their death.
Wills allow a person to name a guardian for their minor children and other dependents.
Wills DO NOT avoid probate.
Frequently referred to as a last will and testament.

Also known as a living trust or an inter vivos trust
Can own most forms of property.
Can be used to pass property to beneficiaries without probate.
Makes managing your estate much simpler should you become unable to manage your affairs.
Can be used to delay the transfer of your estate to your children, until your children have reached a certain (mature) age.
Can own property, and thus eliminate need for probate, in multiple states.
Generally private and does not require court intervention.

Allows a person to name an agent who will make medical decisions if the person is incapacitated or otherwise unable to make medical decisions.
Allows a person to proactively make certain end of life decisions to take the burden off their loved ones.
DOES NOT allow an agent to make financial decisions for the principal.
Generally not activated until the principal is declared to lack capacity by a healthcare professional.
Generally avoids the necessity of a guardian of the person if incapacitated.

Allows the principal to grant the authority to make certain financial decisions for the principal.
May be limited in nature or very broad.
If properly drafted generally eliminates the need for a guardianship of the estate if incapacitated.

The process of administering an estate after someone passes.
A public process overseen by the court.
Has specific deadlines that must be met.
Frequently requires the executor to obtain a probate bond.
A lengthy process requiring at least six months, and frequently a year or more to complete.