WILLS
Wills and Estate Planning are legal documents drafted to direct to whom and how your assets are dealt with when you pass away. The will becomes irrevocable at death. No matter how large or small your estate, and no matter how difficult the question, we can guide you through this process to ensure your loved ones can be at ease knowing your wishes are being carried out.
TRUSTS
Trusts, in the most general sense, are legal tools for financial planning that allow a person (the Trustee) to hold another person's (the Trustor's) property for the benefit of someone else (the Beneficiary). There are many different types of trusts (Living Trust, Testamentary Trust, Irrevocable Trust, Revocable Trust, Special Needs Trusts) all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages of trusts are: reduction of taxes, avoiding probate, maintaining privacy (a trust is not a public record), in some cases protection against creditors, can act like a will after you are gone, and you can use a trust to control how the Beneficiaries will use their inheritance. In most cases, you can change or even cancel the trust at any time. You can also act as trustee and manage the property for as long as you are able. Also, you have the option to have all the trust property returned to you at any time. Allow us to help you identify and build the right trust for your unique situation.
PROBATE
Probate is the process of executing a will when it is needed. The loss of a loved one is difficult; navigating through taxes, bank accounts, property transfer issues, makes this more challenging as well as confusing. Whether you, or a loved one, have a will through us, or have made one on your own, we can provide the care and expertise needed to get you through the probate process.
Estate Litigation
Estate Litigation simply refers to the legal proceedings associated with contesting a will, disputing a trust, seeking redress for a breach of fiduciary duty, quieting title to a property, securing property that was wrongfully taken, addressing incapacity or undue influence issues, or tackling a tortious interference with expected inheritance claim. Disputes can often arise in the administration of a trust or a probate estate, especially when there are substantial amounts of assets involved or when family conflict is present. These disputes can arise between beneficiaries, between a trustee or other fiduciary and beneficiaries, or from third parties.
Our firm has a strong track record of successfully, wisely, and expediently resolving these types of disputes using informal means, saving clients valuable time and money and enabling them to avoid unwanted attention. However, when litigating a dispute proves unavoidable, our experienced trust and estates litigation attorneys successfully advocate and adjudicate our clients' interests before the court. If you are involved in any type of Estate Litigation, our experienced Estate Litigation attorneys will make it easy for you to understand. Furthermore, we provide outstanding representation and counsel so you can make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your estate.
*The words and thoughts expressed here are not intended to be legal advice or to substitute retaining an attorney.