Wills & Planning Documents
There are three foundation estate planning documents each client should have:
• Last Will and Testament
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions
A Will provides for the disposition of your assets and payment of expenses and taxes at your death and appoints a legal guardian for any minor children.
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney enables you to appoint another person to handle your financial affairs should you become incapacitated.
A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions expresses your wishes with regard to medical treatment and appoints a person to make such decisions if you are incapacitated.
Guardianships
Every state has laws which allow the appointment of a guardian of the person or property to provide protection for an individual who is impaired and unable to make financial and personal decisions.
The firm has experience in helping families file the necessary documents with the court for the appointment of a guardian for a loved one. Where necessary, an attorney may be available to serve as a court-appointed guardian or to help with the payment of bills and the preparation of accountings and reports required to be filed with the court.
Estate Administration
The firm is experienced in all facets of Estate Administration:
• Gathering and valuing estate assets
• Preparing Inventories, Accounts and other filings required by the court
• Handling of expenses and claims against the estate
• Making distributions to beneficiaries
• Preparing fiduciary income tax returns and estate tax returns
Estate Litigation
The firm represents clients in cases involving will contests and other court and administrative proceedings.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning can reduce federal estate and gift and inheritance taxes and preserve your assets. The firm dedicates itself to remaining up to date on federal income, estate and gift tax laws, often working with other professionals, such as accountants and financial planners, to develop a truly complete estate plan.
The firm is skilled in drafting Revocable Living Trusts, Credit Shelter Trusts and Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts. We are also experienced with planning for special needs children and adults, including both inter vivos and testamentary special needs trusts.