A will is a personal plan for the future. It allows you to protect your assets, provide for your family, decide who will inherit your estate, and specify how your property will be distributed. There’s a lot to think about. You probably have a million questions, and you will certainly think of many more when we talk about your plans.
As an estate planning attorney, it is my job to determine what’s important to you and to create a plan that accomplishes your goals and distributes your property to dependents, heirs, or relatives in a fair and legally sound manner. I’m here to address your concerns, create a will, and update existing documents to reflect changes in your personal circumstances and in rapidly evolving tax laws.
Each step of the estate planning process is highly individualized. Your family isn’t like anyone else’s, and a will is not a one-size-fits-all product. It should be tailored to your unique situation. Generally, a will is just one piece of the estate plan puzzle. In addition to a will, your estate plan might be accompanied by a trust that protects your assets, a durable power of attorney, and documents that dictate how your expenses and assets will be handled if you are incapacitated. These documents will also outline who will care for your children if you are unable.
How the Process Works
Creating a will is a complex process that involves many sensitive and distinct considerations. As your estate planning attorney, it is my personal goal to help you make sense of everything and to ensure that each step is clear and easy to understand. Demystifying the process is the best way to take the worry and stress out of estate planning.
If you’re ready to create a will or need to update existing documents, the first thing we need to do is discuss your goals for providing for family members, distributing assets, and making choices about health care and potential medical expenses.
When the objectives of your will are clearly established, we will work together to consider the options that are available to you and select the best ones for your situation. During this process, I will explain each option along with benefits, drawbacks, and possible issues regarding conflicts, tax burdens, and any concerns that you may have.
Finalizing the Will
After we have developed the best strategy to achieve your goals, I will begin drafting the will and estate plan. Once all of the details are finalized, you can review the will. The final step is to sign the documents that will make your estate plan official. When the papers are signed, you will receive the original. You may also choose for copies to be kept in my office.
If you are ready to start thinking about an estate plan or wish to update an existing will, I am always available to answer your questions. Contact my office directly, and we can meet at a time and location that’s convenient for you.
