Planning for the Future with Confidence
Whether you are looking to draft a Last Will and Testament, establish a Trust, or appoint a Power of Attorney, taking proactive steps today can protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress and legal complications in the future.
Estate Planning includes not only Wills and Trusts, but also preparing Financial Power of Attorney and Durable Health Care Power of Attorney. It is important for clients to prepare for how they want their assets distributed after his or her passing. But it is also important to plan for who will make your health and financial decisions if you are mentally incapacitated and cannot legally make those decisions for yourself.
If a loved one has passed away, the probate process can be complex and time-consuming. Probate is the court-supervised legal process for distributing assets, paying debts, and settling the estate. I assist families in navigating:
Will Administration: Ensuring that the executor fulfills their duties in accordance with the law
Probate Litigation: Resolving disputes among heirs, creditors, and other parties involved in the estate
Intestate Succession: Handling cases where an individual passes away without a will, ensuring fair distribution under state laws
A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) ensures that if you become unable to manage your healthcare or financial decisions, a trusted individual will step in to act on your behalf.
If you do not have a Financial Power of Attorney and/or Durable Health Care Power of Attorney, then someone will have to petition the court to become your guardian and/or conservator. A guardian is someone who manages your place of abode, your finances, health care decisions, and applies for certain government benefits. A conservator is a person who manages your finances. A guardian and conservator are overseen by the courts, with annual reporting requirements.
There are two key types of POAs:
Durable Health Care Power of Attorney: Gives a trusted person the authority to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated
Financial Power of Attorney: Allows an appointed individual to manage financial matters, such as paying bills, handling property transactions, and making investment decisions
Wills and Trusts are the formal legal documents wherein you declare who will inherit assets upon your death. You will also determine who will be the personal representative or trustee, in charge of maintaining or distributing your assets upon your death. If you die without a will or trust, then your assets are distributed to your heirs in an intestate proceeding, which can be extremely costly.
Benefits of a Will:
Ensures assets are distributed as you wish
Allows you to appoint guardians for minor children
Can specify funeral or burial preferences
Benefits of a Trust:
Helps beneficiaries avoid probate court
Can provide financial protection for heirs
Keeps your estate plan private and secure
Every estate planning case is unique, and I believe in providing personalized legal representation that fits your specific needs. Here’s how I approach estate planning cases:
During the initial consultation we are going to identify exactly what estate planning needs you have and make sure that you have a complete plan. If your loved one does not have any power of attorneys, then we will explore whether a guardianship or conservatorship is needed.
Sometimes the hardest part is for a person to come into meet with a lawyer to discuss death. It can be painful to discuss, especially if there are family dynamics. My approach is centred around the client and his / her needs without any judgment of how he or she wishes to dispose of assets and/or whom they choose to make their financial and health care decisions.
Because I realize that the hardest part of making a will is that meeting with the attorney, I try to make the process as streamlined as possible.
I take the time to understand your unique situation and create a tailored legal plan.
I assist families in navigating complex estate matters and resolving conflicts efficiently.
Estate planning can be emotional, and I provide support and legal clarity throughout the process.
Estate planning is one of the most important legal steps you can take to protect your assets and your family. Whether you need to draft a will, set up a trust, or handle a probate issue, I am here to help.