Smart Steps for a Secure Future

A will is a crucial element of your estate plan, serving as a document to express your desires regarding the distribution of assets after your passing. It allows you to specify which individuals should inherit particular belongings and enables parents to designate guardians for minor or disabled children. Without a will, intestacy laws come into play, leading to potential complications, prolonged probate processes, and family disputes over custody decisions, particularly when minors are involved. Crafting a will, even for those with limited assets or at a young age, can significantly ease the estate administration process and foster peace within your family in the future.

A trust is a powerful estate planning tool designed to hold and transfer assets to a chosen beneficiary. Functioning as a legal relationship, the trust grants a trustee control over the assets until they are transferred to the beneficiary, with the flexibility to set guidelines for distribution. Trusts serve various purposes, from holding funds for a minor to bypassing probate during property transfer, and even minimizing estate taxes. With expertise in drafting different trust types, including Revocable Intervivos Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Supplemental Needs Trusts, and Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, we can collaborate with you to determine the most suitable trust for your current and future planning needs.

A health care proxy is  an individual you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. Without one, your medical providers may turn to your family or make choices for you, potentially conflicting with your wishes. Having a health care proxy ensures control over your treatment decisions during vulnerable times, allowing a trusted individual to advocate for your preferences.

A durable power of attorney a document appointing someone to handle your legal and financial matters if you're unable to do so. Without one, your family may face a challenging and costly court process to appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your affairs in case of incapacitation. Creating a durable power of attorney provides a simple solution, ensuring a trusted individual can efficiently handle your responsibilities during difficult times.

A living will, or advance directive, lets you outline your preferences for end-of-life medical care, such as decisions on life-sustaining measures. While valuable for the terminally ill, we recommend even healthy adults to consider creating a living will to ensure their wishes are known.