Practice Areas > Estate Planning
When a client comes in for an initial consultation, one of our attorneys will work with the client to understand and assess the estate that the client owns presently. We discuss property, families, potential heirs and beneficiaries, focusing on the special considerations for each. We advise clients as they make plans for taking care of themselves, their beneficiaries and their estates in the event of incapacity or upon death.
Many types of legal documents are used to develop and implement a good estate plan, including Real Property Deeds, Wills and Trusts of various kinds. As well, Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care/Mental Health and Durable Powers of Attorneys for Finance are powerful tools to provide protection in the event of incapacity. Also important are Living Wills for end of life decision-making. Selecting the right individuals or, in some cases, professional companies, to act on a client’s behalf is also a critically important part of planning. It is our job to understand the goals and the specific desires of each client, and to recommend the appropriate plan and accompanying documents to accomplish each client’s goals.
Beyond the selection, drafting and signing of legal documents, an estate plan includes creating an understanding of property ownership and conveyance, and the various legal mechanisms that are available for carrying out an estate plan. At times, tax considerations guide the type of estate plan that best fits for an individual, couple or family. We can help assess complex situations and direct clients to tax professionals when needed.