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ESTATE PLANNING
While it can be uncomfortable to make end of life decisions, it is nevertheless important to do so. Passing away without
proper estate planning documents places unnecessary expense and stress on family members, and forces them to go through a
lengthy time-consuming process. Proper planning preserves property and provides for one's heirs, making the administration
of the estate as simple as possible for the loved ones left behind.
I handle all aspects of estate planning. There are several specific estate planning documents that I recommend everyone
consider:
1. Will - This is a legal document that states how one's property will be distributed upon his/her death.
2. Revocable Living Trust - This may not be necessary for all individuals, but it is a more sophisticated estate planning
document that sets forth how property will be managed and distributed both during one's lifetime and upon his/her death.
When used appropriately, the revocable living trust may have several advantages over a simple will.
3. Durable Power of Attorney - with this document one appoints a person or persons as his/her agent. The durable power
of attorney is mainly used to help in the event of illness or disability, or in a situation where one can't be present to
sign necessary legal documents.
4. Advance Directive - This document sets forth one's wishes on the withholding or withdrawing of certain medical treatment
when there is no expectation of recovery from a terminal illness. This document usually appoints an agent to make such health
care decisions if one is unable to do so.
Other areas within the Estate Planning field that I handle include:
* Guardianships and Conservatorships
* Estate tax planning and protection
* Beneficiary deeds
* Transfer on death (TOD) / payable on death (POD) provisions
* Planning to avoid probate court
* Asset protection planning
* Life insurance and insurance planning
PROBATE & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Probate and estate administration governs the way a decedent's estate (e.g. his/her property) is administered and distributed
after that person's death. I assist families with the handling of their loved one's estate, ensuring that the estate property
is distributed per the terms of the decedent's will or trust. If there is no will or trust in existence, I ensure that the
estate is distributed pursuant to the state law providing for such circumstances.
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