Estate Planning
Estate planning has two broad goals:
- Make sure the property at death is transferred to the intended beneficiaries in a way that is best for the beneficiary
- Maximize the value of the gift by reducing expenses and taxes
The first goal involves not only identifying the beneficiaries but also analyzing the beneficiaries’ needs, circumstances and abilities so that the gift is not wasted. Considerations include whether the beneficiary can handle the assets gifted, whether the beneficiary would be disqualified from state or federal assistance and the marital status of the beneficiary. The second goal involves an analysis of taxes and expenses incurred at death and cheaper alternatives. The second goal also includes issues related to protecting your assets from claims of creditors or asset protection.
We help you achieve these goals using the most efficient and cost effective methods.
Services Provided
- Review Assets and Liabilities
- Determine Beneficiary’s needs and limitations
- Estimate costs and taxes at death
- Avoid estate administration where appropriate
- Asset Protection
- Wills
- Trusts
- revocable and irrevocable
- Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Representative Appointment
- Living Wills
- Gift Giving
- Tax Advice
- Subsequent marriages and mixed families
- Surviving spouse’s rights
- Marital Agreements
- pre & post
