Estate Planning
Our estate planning practice is centered on providing complex estate planning services to individuals and families. Our knowledgeable lawyers focus on easing the stress of estate planning issues by clearly explaining each step of the estate planning and administration process, and providing practical legal options to meet our clients’ estate planning goals. We have represented literally thousands of individuals and families in the areas of general estate planning and estate tax planning. Our ability to develop innovative solutions to complex estate planning issues sets us apart from the competition.
Estate planning involves the distribution of an individual's property at his or her death, taking into account wills, taxes, insurance, property and trusts, so as to gain maximum benefit of all laws, and at the same time, carrying out the client’s wishes. Our goal is to comprehensively address four specific areas: estate distribution, estate and transfer tax reduction, smooth and least expensive estate administration, and planning for the management of assets in the event of incapacity. It is with these issues in mind that we craft a comprehensive estate plan for each of our clients.
Our planning includes techniques designed to reduce or eliminate estate taxes and income taxes. This includes the use of estate tax planning trusts, gifting techniques and proper beneficiary designations on IRAs and other qualified accounts.
Planning for incapacity includes utilizing power of attorneys and health care directives. These documents allow for the making of financial and medical decisions by family members or other designated individuals upon incapacity.