We often spend very little time evaluating methods for protecting and preserving these same assets.  We do not like to think about disability or mortality yet think about it and deal with the financial ramifications of these inevitabilities if necessary.   If we want to leave a financial legacy that empowers our heirs and allows them to build upon our efforts than planning is an imperative.  Even relatively simple estate planning techniques can defer or reduce income and capital gains taxes during life and reduce or eliminate estate taxes at death.  Estate planning is more than preparing a will, community property agreement, or revocable living trust although for many people this is the first step.

At different stages in life we have different estate planning needs.  Early in life a simple will and durable power of attorney may be all that is necessary to ensure an orderly distribution of assets on death, but as our assets and families grow in size and complexity our estate plan must be able to meet additional contingencies.

No two families or individuals are alike and so no two estate plans are identical.   The increase in both personal wealth and the divorce rate have made estate planning more necessary and more complex.  We walk with our clients and often their financial planners, accountants, and insurance professional to devise a comprehensive estate plan.   Our focus is on creating plans that accomplish client objectives in a manner that is as simple and efficient as possible.  That is not to say that we do not deal with complex planning solutions, we just feel that complex should be driven by client objectives.  Below is a partial list of the services we provide:

Our Basic Estate Planning Program is designed to meet the needs of most individuals on the most cost-effective basis possible.  You meet with an experienced estate planning attorney who ascertains your family and financial circumstances, and your estate planning objectives.  Once your needs are determined, we will quote you a fixed price to prepare all of the necessary documents, and make appropriate implementing arrangements.

A Will for a Single Individual

Wills for Married Couple, including appropriate Estate Tax Planning Trusts

(Credit, Marital Trust and/or QDOT Trust(s) for Spouse)

Provisions for Descendants

Other Appropriate or Desired Provisions

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Durable Powers of Attorney

Health Care Durable Power of Attorney

Health Care Directives ( "Living Wills")

Organ Donation Authorizations

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Asset Titling Recommendations

Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation Recommendations

Retirement Plan or IRA Beneficiary Designation Recommendations

Specialized Estate Planning Services

We provide the very highest quality sophisticated estate planning services for individuals and family groups with substantial net worth.  Our services for those with "larger" estates include:

Wills & Revocable Trusts

Substantial Life Insurance Policies & Life Insurance Trusts

Business Succession Planning

Estate "Freeze" Techniques for Business and Real Estate Holdings

Family Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies & Gifting Programs

Family Wealth Management Programs for Grandchildren

Qualified Personal Residence Trusts ("House GRITs")

Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Planning & "Dynasty Trusts"

Grantor Remainder Annuity Trusts &  Unitrusts ("GRATs" & "GRUTs")

Charitable Lead Trusts and Charitable Remainder Trusts

Family Foundations

Retirement Plan or IRA Planning for those with "Substantial" Retirement Plan Accounts

Asset Protection Planning & Off-Shore Trusts

Questionnaire for Married Couples

Questionnaire for Single People