Why do I need an estate plan?

Everyone needs an estate plan.  That may mean a simple will, a revocable trust based plan, or something much more complicated.  It also may simply mean making sure that all of your assets are titled in such a way that they will pass directly to your heirs even without a will.  After completing the initial meeting described  in "Our Process", we will determine just the right plan for your needs.

In addition, there are other essential elements of an estate plan that everyone needs. When we prepare an estate plan we typically include Advance Directives (Living Will, Health Care Proxy, Advance Designation of Conservator, Anatomical Gift) and Powers of Attorney (Springing or Durable). 

We throw out the time clocks when we prepare your plan.  All of our plans are done on a fixed fee basis. We generally offer three levels of planning.

Parent Peace of Mind Plan

This may be the plan for you if have minor children and you want to ensure that your minor children are well cared for no matter what, that your health care wishes are respected, and that your loved ones are able to care for your assets using a durable power of attorney if you become incapacitated.

This plan is appropriate for the family with minor children who does not have any assets that would be subject to the Probate court process at death. This plan is either a will or trust based plan that includes:

• Will
• Advance Directives (Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Advanced Designation of Conservator, Anatomical Gift)
• Durable, Financial Powers of Attorney
• Designation of Guardian (for minor children)
• Designation of Standby Guardian (avoids ugly custody battles and prevents your children from being placed into foster care, even for a short time) 
  
• Testamentary Trust for minors (optional)
• Living Trust (optional)
• Spendthrift Trust (optional)

Fees range from $1000 to $3500 depending on whether a trust is used, and if so, what type of trust is used.

Family Essentials Plan

This may be the plan for you if you don't have minor children and you want to make sure that your loved ones are able to handle and care for your assets using a durable power of attorney if you become incapacitated, and you want to make sure that your wishes regarding your property are carried out after your death. 

This is a will based plan that includes:

• Will
• Advance Directives (Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Advanced Designation of Conservator, Anatomical Gift)
• Durable, Financial Powers of Attorney

Fees Range from $750 to $1000.

The Trust Plan

This may be the plan for your if you want the peace of mind of knowing that, in the event of your death or incapacity, your property will go to your loved ones quickly, easily and without unnecessary lawyer’s fees associated with probating your estate.  The Trust Plan allows you to protect your loved ones’ inheritance from being lost to divorce, lawsuits,  and immaturity, if you choose to include "spendthrift" protection.

This is a trust based plan and includes Trust Plan includes:

• Revocable Living Trust
• Pour over Will
• Advance Directives (Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Advanced Designation of Conservator, Anatomical Gift)
• Durable, Financial Powers of Attorney
• Deed of a single property to the Trust
  
• Spendthrift protection (optional)
  

Fees range from $2000 to $3000.

For those who require more advanced estate planning tools, we can create a plan using a variety of more sophisticated trusts including the following:

• Life Insurance Trusts
• AB Trusts
• Special Needs Trusts
• Irrevocable Trusts
• Charitable Trusts