Many of our clients have come to us with the common misconception that estate planning is only for the rich and that it is little more than an exercise in locating loopholes for minimizing estate taxes.
While we are pleased to use advanced estate planning tools to help our wealthier clients minimize estate and gift taxes, we believe that estate planning can benefit almost everyone and should be affordable for all.
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Consider this: If something were to happen, who would you want to be the guardian of your children? Do you know how to ensure your wishes are carried out? Even with a modest estate, think back to when you were 18 or 21—what would happen if even responsible children inherited property outright at that age? If you become seriously ill, who do you want managing your finances while you recover? Who should make your medical decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself? And if you’re single, or your spouse has passed away, or your first choice is too emotionally affected to make decisions, who would handle these important responsibilities?
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Estate planning certainly involves wills, trusts, powers of attorney, deeds, and ensuring your property is passed on to your family, friends, or favorite charities. However, we believe estate planning is also about protecting your family and your legacy. Families of all types—whether wealthy, with limited means, or somewhere in between—can benefit from the protection that a well-crafted estate plan provides, regardless of their structure.
Avoid Probate.
Probate is the expensive, time-consuming, and public way the court oversees how you leave your property to the people you love. We can help you skip an unnecessary probate with an affordable, efficient and private estate plan.
Affordable Flat Fees.
Our clients consistently find our convenient flat fees a better value than rates charged by other attorneys. And our fees are almost always a better value than probate.
Instant Resolution.
Probate will tie up your property for months and often for years. With a properly drafted estate plan, your property can be instantly released to the hands of the people who matter most.
Your business remains your business.
What did you own? Who got what? What could you have done differently? Probate will broadcast this information to the world. Your estate plan settles these questions properly – in private.
Flexibility.
Not everyone can travel from home to meet with an attorney. When appropriate, we can come to you. We have executed estate plans in living rooms, hospital rooms, and assisted living facilities.
Convenient and Confidential Consultation.
Phone, e-mail, in person. During your complimentary 45 minute consultation, we will consider the property you own, who you want to inherit it, and who you want to make decisions in an emergency.