Estate planning is the process of preparing for the distribution of your property upon incapacity or death. Your “estate” is simply your property both real⏤ land, and personal⏤ vehicles, clothes, jewelry, furniture, bank accounts, stocks, etc.
Estate planning helps to ensure your wishes or desires are met and avoids the default provisions of state intestate succession laws. It may protect your assets from creditors or state programs like Medicare and Medicaid, helps to prevent family disputes, and can ease the burden on family members. This process also takes into consideration implications of capital gains taxes on land.
Most clients need a simple will, power of attorney, health care power of attorney, and living will; however we can also advise you on revocable trusts, special needs trusts, life estate deeds, and changes in “non-probate” property⏤ life insurance, IRAs, longterm care policies, such as a change in beneficiary designation.
No matter your age or life stage, formal estate planning is a helpful and valuable step to take. We can assist you in estate planning and the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, and health care power of attorneys. We will be happy to arrange an appointment to review your estate needs and help you develop a plan that will transfer your property at death according to your wishes and desires. We invite you to call, email, or write us to let us know how we can help you with your estate planning needs. Our attorneys are skilled in helping you ensure your wishes are known and honored.
Our standard fee for a simple will, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and living will is $500, but additional circumstances may require more skill and incur additional fees.