Many people feel that estate planning is an unpleasant and morbid subject. They put if off because they are too busy, because they think they don’t own enough assets to create an Estate Plan, or simply because they don’t want to think about the end of their life. Unfortunately, ignoring these issues today may cost your family thousands of dollars tomorrow. Proper estate planning takes far less time and effort than most people think, and the peace of mind you will get once it is completed is priceless.

A properly drafted Estate Plan will allow you to make decisions about the handling of your property and belongings, as well as the custody of your minor children upon your death. An Estate Plan puts you in control. Additionally, unforeseen disastrous circumstances can be handled according to your written wishes and instructions without costly and time-consuming court procedures. An Estate Plan addresses all of your concerns in advance, leaving no unanswered questions.

Contrary to popular belief, an effective Estate Plan can actually save you money. Often, many middle-income families underestimate the value of their estate and fail to create an Estate Plan. By doing so, your loved ones may be subject to an expensive and time-consuming legal process known as probate. The probate process, which begins after your death, is a set of legal procedures designed to identify your assets, pay off your debts, locate your will (if one exists), and identify your beneficiaries. Probate can be very expensive and is paid for by the proceeds of your estate. With an effective Estate Plan, you can accomplish your goals and also reduce your taxable estate. If you plan carefully, more of your hard-earned assets will go to your loved ones and less to the courts or Uncle Sam.

Our Estate Planning Department would welcome the opportunity to help you with your estate planning needs. Please call our office to arrange an appointment with an experienced Estate Planning Attorney.

Services offered:

Basic Estate Planning:
    Last Will & Testament
    Revocable Living Trusts
    Q-TIP Trusts
    Irrevocable Trusts
    Special Needs Trusts
    Transfer Documents
    Durable Power of Attorney (General)
    Durable Power of Attorney (Health Care)

Advanced Estate Planning:
    Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
    Annual and Lifetime Gifting
    Family Limited Partnerships
    Family Asset Protection
    Joint Purchases
    Private Annuities

• Grantor Retained Interest Trusts
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts
• Grantor Retained Residence Trusts

    Charitable Gifting

• Outright Gifts

    Split Interests
    Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUT)
    Charitable Remainder Annuities
    Pooled Income Funds
Installment Sales
Asset Replacement Trusts
Private Foundations