We work with individuals who want to create a plan for the distribution of assets and the care of minor children. We review and prepare all documents necessary to implement an effective estate plan, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives. We also represent executors, administrators and personal representatives in proceedings to settle an estate through the probate courts.

If you need to establish a plan for the distribution of assets or the care of minor children in the event of your death or incapacitation, you want an experienced lawyer to protect your interests, so that you can make informed decisions. A careful plan can help minimize the difficulties your heirs face at the time of your death. Similarly, when you have been designated as executor, administrator or personal representative of an estate, you want an experienced attorney to help you successfully navigate the probate process.

When you retain our offices to help you with your estate planning, we will start by learning as much as we can about your objectives when distributing your assets and about your financial situation. Next, we will help you understand the different tools available for meeting your goals, including the use of wills and trusts, the re-titling of assets, and lifetime gifting. In all matters, we will consider the tax implications of different strategies.

Once you have decided which approach best fits your needs, we will prepare and execute all the documents required to implement your estate plan, including:

• Wills
• Trusts
• Living or testamentary trusts
• Revocable or irrevocable trusts
• Special needs trusts
• Powers of attorney
• Health care directives or living wills

We will also help you establish a plan for the care of your minor children, if applicable.

If you have been named as executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate of a loved one, we will help you meet the requirements of the probate process and successfully settle the estate. This includes the preparation of an accounting of the assets of the estate, the payment of all debts and tax obligations of the estate, and the orderly distribution of assets in accordance with the terms of the will.

We also handle probate litigation, including will contests.