Frequently Asked Questions

Estate planning is the process of organizing and documenting your wishes for how your assets, healthcare, and other personal matters should be handled during your lifetime and after your death.

Estate planning helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes potential legal challenges, and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Your estate includes everything you own, from larger assets like your properties and bank accounts to smaller assets including your Tupperware and socks.

We offer both trust based and will based planning in an effort to meet the goals of our individual clients. During our initial consultation we will discuss the different options along with the pros and cons.

If someone dies without a will, their assets are distributed according to state laws, which may not align with their personal wishes.

While DIY options exist, hiring an attorney ensures your plan is legally sound and tailored to your unique circumstances.

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate, including validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

While probate is often necessary, many people aim to avoid it because it can be time-consuming and costly. Strategies like establishing trusts can help bypass probate.

Trusts are legal arrangements that allow assets to be managed and distributed according to specific terms. They can help reduce taxes, avoid probate, and protect assets.

You can include provisions in your will or set up a pet trust to ensure your pets are cared for after your death.

Inheritance taxes depend on the jurisdiction and the nature of the assets. Proper estate planning can help minimize or eliminate these taxes.

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone authority to act on your behalf for financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated.

Yes, you can designate charitable organizations as beneficiaries in your will or through other estate planning tools. We offer discounts to clients who leave a sizeable charitable contribution as a part of their estate plan.

Disputes over trust terms may result in litigation. A clear, well-drafted trust can help prevent misunderstandings and legal challenges.

Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a person is appointed to take care of and make decisions on behalf of a minor or incapacitated individual.

We run a boutique style law firm that tailors your estate plan to your family’s unique goals. We are passionate about what we do and how we do it. Our individualized approach allows us to get to know our clients and understand how to help them meet their goals.