Wills & Probate
If your loved one has passed away and you need to probate the Will, do not hesitate to contact me. There is a legal process that needs to be followed, including certain documents that have to be filed with the court, and most people want and need an attorney to help them through that process.
If your loved one has passed away without a will, we can discuss the best way to handle administering his or her estate.
Estate Planning
A Gift For You and Your Loved Ones
I’d like to share with you a story regarding a client I had a few years back. His wife died without a will and she had a net worth of about $115,000, which included approximately $7,500 in a bank account and her half of the community estate in a few rental houses. The bank would not distribute the funds to her widowed husband unless and until he went through the legal process, i.e., filing with the court an Application to Determine Heirship and for Independent Administration. The client was very surprised by this and was not aware that when the first spouse dies that the surviving spouse would have to go through any type of legal process to get the assets of his dying spouse.
The legal process when someone dies without a will has about twice as many steps as when a person dies with you a will. It can be costly for your loved ones.
On the other hand, when a person dies with a will, it is usually simple and cost-effective for the surviving family members.
By hiring me to create your estate plan now, you would be providing your loved ones with the gift of that simple, cost-effective solution to administer your estate after you pass. That should give you a lot of peace of mind knowing that your family will have a roadmap and a simple path for closure (at least of your estate).
Tell me if this sounds like you. You haven’t created your estate plan because you think you don’t need one, you think it will be too expensive, or your death is not happening anytime soon?
While no one knows the answer to the last one, generally everyone does need at least a basic estate plan and it is not as expensive or time-consuming as you might believe.
Because I feel so strongly that everyone needs an estate plan, I am offering my Estate Plan Package for the low price of $600. That includes your –
1. Will
2. Medical Power of Attorney
3. Durable Power of Attorney
4. Declaration of Guardian in the Event of Incapacity
5. HIPAA
6. Directives to Physicians
® You can include provisions in the Will regarding potential guardians for your minor children if something were to happen to you.
® You can include a built-in trust for your children until they reach the age that you deem appropriate for inheriting.
But maybe you’re struggling with your health and for you the bigger concern is that your wishes will be honored with respect to your medical desires. I can help you with your Medical Power of Attorney, Declaration of Guardian in the Event of Incapacity, and Directives to Physicians. These key documents will give you peace of mind that your intentions regarding your medical care will be honored.
Finally, you may be wondering, how can I take advantage of this Amazing Offer?
Contact me regarding scheduling a meeting. After that, it's a simple 3-step process:
1. We discuss (usually at a 1-hour meeting, in person or by Zoom);
2. I draft the documents (and send you drafts to review via email); and
3. You sign the documents at a signing ceremony (usually 3-7 days later).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take?
Usually about a week from start to finish.
What information will I need to bring to the meeting?
You will need to know what all your assets are. I don’t need to see a detailed spreadsheet of your net worth, although you can bring a spreadsheet like that if it helps you remember your assets. We will be talking about probate versus non-probate assets and create a plan accordingly.
In addition, you will need to know the names, addresses, and phone numbers of people who are going to be named an agent or alternate agent in either of your Power of Attorney documents.
Will the process be time-consuming or difficult?
No, I will make this process so easy, and it will give you so much peace of mind that you will be wondering why you didn't do this sooner.
Do I need a trust?
It's a common question, but the vast, vast majority of people do not need a trust. Trusts were historically a way that people would circumvent federal estate taxes upon passing. But now, that threshold is so high ($11 million per person), most people do not need to worry about having a trust. There are other unique circumstances that someone might need a trust and we can discuss those at the meeting if they apply.
How do I sign up?
Send me a message here and I will contact you within 48 hours to schedule our Meeting.
I look forward to hearing from you!