Comprehensive Estate Planning

People are often shocked by the impact taxes, probate administration and inadequate planning have on the distribution of assets when someone they know has died.  This is easily avoided with sound planning.

Our lawyers work closely with clients to identify goals, plan for contingencies and create a comprehensive estate plan that accounts for their unique wishes. This often includes:

• A will dictating distribution of your assets
• Durable powers of attorney to handle your financial affairs
• Medical power of attorney
• A health care directive (living will) regarding life support measures
• Appointment of guardians for minor children

Wills and Trusts

Our estate planning attorneys can also create a variety of instruments designed to bypass probate, set aside assets, minimize estate taxes and control how beneficiaries inherit various assets, including:

• Family limited partnerships to pass a family-owned business to the next generation
• Dynasty Trusts
• Special needs trusts for a disabled child or vulnerable adult
• Charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts
• Irrevocable life insurance trusts
• Revocable trusts
• Spendthrift trusts to protect assets from creditors
• Lifetime gift tax exclusion (spousal trust)
• Medicaid/nursing home planning

Probate Court Matters

Our Estate practice offer the following probate law and probate court assistance:

• Estate administration: Efficient settling of a family’s member’s estate, including the payment of debts, liquidation of assets, distribution to heirs and filing of tax returns.
• Guardianship/Conservatorship: Gaining court approval to take control of the finances and personal care of an incapacitated parent, or making arrangements for the future care of an underage child or disabled adult.
• Probate litigation: Experienced representation in will contests and other disputes arising from probate or trust administration.

Contact the Thompson Law Office today to schedule an appointment to begin the process.