Wills & Trusts
Comprehensive will drafting and trust creation to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Overview
Our Wills & Trusts services provide comprehensive solutions to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are protected. We work closely with you to understand your unique situation and create customized legal documents that reflect your specific needs and goals.
Our Process
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough discussion of your goals, family situation, and assets to understand your unique needs.
Strategy Development
Our attorneys develop a customized estate planning strategy that addresses your specific concerns and objectives.
Document Preparation
We prepare comprehensive legal documents including wills, trusts, and supporting documents tailored to your situation.
Review and Execution
We meet to review all documents, answer questions, and formally execute your will and trust documents with proper witnesses.
Asset Funding
For trusts, we assist with the crucial step of transferring assets into your trust to ensure it functions as intended.
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and updates to your documents as your life circumstances and laws change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death and names guardians for minor children. It only takes effect after death and must go through probate. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for beneficiaries. Trusts can be effective immediately, continue after death, avoid probate, provide privacy, and offer more control over asset distribution.
Do I need both a will and a trust?
Many comprehensive estate plans include both. A revocable living trust can handle the bulk of your asset distribution and avoid probate, while a pour-over will captures any assets not transferred to your trust and names guardians for minor children (which cannot be done in a trust).
How often should I update my will or trust?
You should review your estate planning documents every 3-5 years and update them whenever significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, substantial changes in assets, moving to a different state, or changes in tax laws.
Key Features
- Customized will drafting tailored to your specific needs
- Revocable living trusts to avoid probate and maintain privacy
- Special needs trusts for loved ones with disabilities
- Irrevocable trusts for asset protection and tax planning
- Testamentary trusts created through your will
- Pour-over wills to work with your trust planning
- Spendthrift provisions to protect beneficiaries
- Regular reviews and updates as your life changes
Benefits
- Ensure your assets go to your intended beneficiaries
- Minimize taxes, fees, and court costs
- Avoid the time and expense of probate
- Protect beneficiaries from creditors and poor financial decisions
- Create provisions for minor children or dependents with special needs
- Maintain privacy of your financial affairs
- Reduce potential family conflicts over inheritance
- Gain peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your specific needs.
Schedule Consultation