Planning is a necessity in modern life. The time to plan your estate is now while you are able. Every person will need some type of estate plan to properly dispose of their property after they are gone.
The foundation of a good estate plan often begins with a trust and/or a will. A trust or will can provide you with security and peace of mind both now and in the future. I can help you determine whether a trust or a will is the better option for you as a starting point for your estate planning needs.
Since 1985, I have drafted all types of trusts and wills. I have experience in advising clients on and preparing the following types of documents:
- Revocable Trust
- Irrevocable Trust
- Charitable Trust
- Simple and Complex Wills
- Pour Over Will
- Transfer-On-Death Deed
- Affidavit of Heirship
- Small Estate Affidavit
As part of the trust and estate planning process, I can also help you have the proper beneficiary designations in place on your 401(k), 403 (b), IRAs, insurance policies, and/or annuities.
If a loved one dies with a trust in place, then I can counsel you as the successor trustee of the trust. I provide guidance and assistance in interpreting the dispositive provisions of trusts.
Trust Administration
I regularly advise and assist trustees on their fiduciary duties and responsibilities under the trust, including but not limited to:
- Identifying and contacting all beneficiaries under the trust
- Conducting an inventory of trust property
- Paying all lawful debts owed by the decedent.
- Obtaining a tax identification number from the IRS, if required
- Opening a bank account for the trust
- Selling or disposing of any assets of the trust
- Filing the necessary tax returns
- Preparing an accounting of receipts and disbursements
- Distributing the assets to the appropriate person under the trust, including preparing the necessary conveyance documents such as deeds, mineral deeds, assignments, etc.
I can help you through this process in a timely and efficient manner.