Fundamental Estate Planning

Whether you’re single, just got married or entered into a civil union, had your first child, are retiring or just need to get your affairs in order, we are committed to working with you to put the best plan in place to accomplish your goals. 

Core Services 

No matter what the value of your estate is, it is 100% of everything you have worked for and saved.  A trust can be very useful for managing your affairs in the event of your age or incapacity, end of life asset distribution plan or for holding assets for your children and family members until they are better equipped to manage their own financial affairs while still giving them access to the funds when they need them.

Distribute Assets 

Wills

• Your “Last Will and Testament” is your opportunity to ensure that your “will” is carried out upon your death. This is your chance to name the people you, not state law or a court, want to care for your children. This is your chance to determine who you, not state law or a court, want get to your property upon your death. This is your chance to name the person you, not state law or a court, want to manage your affairs upon your death. Don’t let these decisions be fought over by your friends and family or be made by someone you don’t know, like the state legislature or court.

Trusts

• A living trust is designed to hold and govern the management and use of your assets, both during your life and upon your death.  A trust is not just for the wealthy. A trust can be very useful for managing your end of life asset distribution plan or for holding assets for your children and family members until they are better equipped to manage their own financial affairs while still giving them access to the funds when they need them.
• Funding a trust is a critical step in ensuring its effectiveness. We offer comprehensive support to our clients in the process of funding trusts, which includes transferring assets, such as real estate, investments, and personal property, into the trust. Our team guides you through this intricate process, ensuring that every asset is correctly retitled and managed according to your trust's specific provisions. Whether you're looking to protect your wealth, minimize taxes, or ensure a seamless transfer of assets to your beneficiaries, our experienced professionals are here to facilitate and streamline the trust funding process, allowing you to rest assured that your legacy is in capable hands.

Power of Attorney

• How will your bills be paid if you become unable to do so? Who can pay them for you when you’re away? A Power of Attorney for Property is your chance to name someone you trust to act on your behalf with respect to your financial matters. If you ever become unable to manage your financial affairs and you don’t have a Power of Attorney for Property in place, the court would open a guardianship estate to handle your finances. Instead, you can select someone you trust to oversee and manage your property on your behalf.

Manage Health Care Decisions 

Power of Attorney for Health Care

• Who makes healthcare decisions if you’re unconscious? What direction have you given with respect to your preferences for end-of-life decision making? Do you know if the person making the decision will do what you want and that your family will agree? Appointing a Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to name the person you trust to make your healthcare decisions when you're unable to. It can help avoid unclear, contentious family battles in court, which can divide your family. Whether you're 18 or 80, you should have a Power of Attorney for Health Care in place to direct healthcare decisions when you're unable to.

Medical Information Release (HIPAA Release)

• The HIPAA release authorizes certain individuals (your power of attorney for healthcare, your power of attorney for property, or a trustee of your trust) to have access to your medical records. Without access to your medical records, these individuals may not have access to (without court involvement) important information that they should be considering in managing your personal, financial, and medical affairs.

Living Wills

• A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that allows individuals to express their medical treatment preferences in the event they become unable to communicate or make decisions about their care. It outlines the types of medical interventions they do or do not want to receive, such as life-sustaining measures like artificial respiration or tube feeding.
• Having a living will is beneficial because it ensures that a person's healthcare wishes are respected and followed, even when they can't communicate them directly. It provides clarity to healthcare providers and family members, reducing the potential for disputes and guilt-ridden decisions during critical medical situations. Additionally, a living will can offer peace of mind, knowing that one's values and choices regarding end-of-life care will be honored.

Protect Your Family

Guardianship of Minors

• Your Last Will and Testament establishes guardianship for your minor children should something happen to their parent or parents.

Personal Matters

• Whether you're buying a home, need help with a landlord dispute, are reviewing a contract, or just need a legal perspective, we’re here to help you. We welcome the opportunity to be your advocate.