A well-prepared will is essential to protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are honored. Below are key considerations we discuss with clients as they begin or update their estate plans.
Selecting Fiduciaries
You will name an executor to administer your estate, and if you have minor children, you will nominate a guardian. If your plan includes trusts, you’ll also appoint trustees. We can help you choose fiduciaries who are trustworthy, organized, and willing to serve, including recommending professional fiduciaries when appropriate.
Identifying Beneficiaries and Coordinating Assets
A clear will identifies who receives your assets and how. However, not every asset passes through a will. In the case of retirement accounts, life insurance, and jointly held property, those often transfer directly to named beneficiaries. We ensure your will and beneficiary designations work together as a coordinated plan.
Keeping Your Plan Current
Estate planning is an ongoing process. We recommend reviewing your plan after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant financial changes, business transactions, or relocation to another state. Even without major changes, periodic reviews help ensure your plan reflects current law, your evolving goals, and family needs.
Probate and Tax Planning
A will is often one component of a broader strategy. Depending on your circumstances, our team may recommend revocable trusts, lifetime gifting strategies, or other techniques to address probate, tax considerations, or asset protection.
Communicating Your Wishes
We encourage clients to let family members know where estate documents are stored and whom to contact if questions arise. Thoughtful communication can minimize confusion during difficult times or at the time of your passing.
Business Succession and High-Net-Worth Planning
For business owners and families with significant wealth, we develop strategies that address business continuity, transfer tax planning, multi-generational wealth preservation, and charitable giving objectives.
Every family’s goal and circumstances are different. Having an experienced attorney who can bring deep experience helping those with straightforward needs to those navigating closely held businesses, blended families, substantial assets, or planning for loved ones with special needs, can make a large impact on ensuring your future plans are executed as you intend.