Estate Planning, Wills & Trust and Probate
You have worked hard for many years, it is important to be proactive and make sure your assets and finances are properly handled if you are unable to make the important decisions. Estate planning and having a living will are the first steps in giving you and your family peace of mind knowing those decisions are already made, freeing up time and energy to properly focus on the important matters.
Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate. Estate planning typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Guardians are often designated for minor children and beneficiaries in incapacity.
Estate planning involves the will, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, property ownership (joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entirety), gift, and powers of attorney, specifically the durable financial power of attorney and the durable medical power of attorney as well as a living will. Specific final arrangements, such as whether to be buried or cremated, are also often part of the documents. And more sophisticated estate plans may even cover deferring or decreasing estate taxes or winding up a business.
It is important to make sure all areas are covered and properly drafted. Call, email or come in the office today and have The Law Office of Harry Friedlander properly fill out your forms and discuss all the options available to you helping you feel confident in your future plans.