Estate Planning

The purpose of a will is to ensure that you get to determine how your assets are distributed after your death. If you don’t have a properly executed will, your assets will be distributed according the State’s set guidelines. For some people, that might be okay. However, if you have a specific idea about how your assets should be distributed, or if you have heirs you want to disinherit, a will is the only way to make sure this happens.

Tip! Be careful with online forms for any estate planning documents. Many of these vendors provide a uniform template that doesn’t contemplate the different requirements in each state.

Community Property Agreement

A community property agreement is an agreement between spouses as to the distribution of their assets after death. In many cases, a community property agreement will help a couple avoid probate after the death of the first spouse. For that reason, our firm encourages spouses to have a community property agreement and a will.

Power In Your Absence

Durable Power of Attorney: In a durable power of attorney, the “principal” appoints a representative called the “attorney-in-fact” who is given powers to act on behalf of the principal. If the power of attorney document is “durable,” that means it will be effective even in the event of a disability to the principal. Without a durable power of attorney, your loved ones may have to spend thousands of dollars in a guardianship action in court to obtain the necessary powers to help you with your finances and health care decisions.
General Power of Attorney: A general power of attorney is very similar to a durable power of attorney, but it is executed for one specific purpose. We most often are asked to do a general power of attorney where a homeowner is getting ready to sell his/her house but is going to be out of town during the closing and he/she needs to appoint someone to sign on his/her behalf.
Health Care Directive: A health care directive is an instruction from you to your doctor of how you want certain health-related decisions to be made in the event you are incapacitated and cannot make decisions on your own.