Wills and Trusts

A properly prepared comprehensive estate plan, which typically includes a revocable trust, powers of attorney, an advanced health care directive, and a will accomplishes many things. It establishes a plan for the management and care of yourself and your assets in the event of serious illness or death, it avoids probate, and it can minimize the amount of taxes owed by your estate upon your passing.

A well-drafted estate plan avoids the necessity and expense of going to court in the event of your incapacity or death, saving your loved ones valuable time and money. Additionally, unlike probate, the administration of a trust is generally private, meaning that your financial affairs as far as what you own, who you owe, and the identity of your beneficiaries are not part of a public court proceeding.

Further, in the event that you have minor children an estate plan allows you to identify the people you would like to have physical custody of your children and those people you would like to have manage your estate for your children if you are unable to do so yourself.

Through the creation of an estate plan you are preserving and securing the legacy you leave your loved ones, limiting their exposure to unnecessary taxes and obstacles which could prevent them from accessing the inheritance you intend to leave them.