Estate Planning
Introduction
Where there's a will, there's a way
A will is one of the most important legal documents you can have to protect your loved ones and your legacy.
It provides clarity on how assets should be distributed, who will care for minor children, and who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after your death.
Without a valid will, your estate may be divided according to default state laws rather than your wishes, which can lead to unnecessary stress, delays, expense, disputes, and more. A properly drafted will provides certainty, minimizes conflict, and ensures your affairs are handled exactly as you intend.
Let us help you create a legally valid will that protects your assets and preserves your goals and wishes.
Overview
Key Elements of a Will
Reasons for a Will
A thoroughly prepared will ensures your legacy is passed on according to your wishes and not left to chance. Among the many benefits you can:
- Control how your estate is distributed
- Designate a guardian for minor children
- Appoint a trusted person to handle your estate’s affairs
- Avoid state control of your assets
Probate & Wills
Probate is the legal process used to oversee the distribution of a person’s estate after death, including any assets not held in a trust.
Having a proper will makes the probate process much cleaner and smoother. It speeds up the overall time, saves on expenses, and ensures that your wishes are followed and not the state’s.
Types of Wills
There are various types of wills that cater to specific needs, estate sizes, dependents, and more.
Although a simple will may be appropriate for basic needs and small estates, many people choose to pair a more advanced will with a trust as part of their broader estate plan. This ensures better security and privacy, consistent distribution of assets, faster administration, and greater control.
Let us help you determine the right solution for you!
Wills vs. Trusts
Separate Roles
- Wills: Names guardians, distributes assets not in a trust, and directs any remaining property into a trust
- Trusts: Manages assets placed within it, distributes them privately, and can manage inheritances
Working Together
- Guardianship: A will is the only document that can legally name guardians for minor children
- Probate Avoidance: Assets in a proper trust are not subject to probate, saving time and money.
- Catch-All: A pour-over will ensures assets not transferred to the trust before death get "poured over" into the trust, so they're distributed according to the trust's terms and not by state laws.
- Incapacity Planning: A trust can manage assets in cases of incapacity during your lifetime, while a will only takes effect after death
- Privacy: Trusts remain private, while wills become public record during the probate process.
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