Estate Planning

Estate Planning is a major part of our practice and an area in which we have had considerable experience. Our clients’ needs have ranged from planning that requires only a simple will and powers of attorney, to those who are in need of more complex planning to address unique family dynamics such as individuals with special needs, extended families, multi-jurisdictional matters, tax planning, charitable giving, and other issues.

We have undertaken a commitment to provide our clients with superior estate planning services and good value for the investment so made. In pursuit of this objective, we have made a significant financial investment in a comprehensive estate planning library, state of the art computer hardware and software, as well as a continuing dedication to stay up to date on the latest developments in estate planning by regular participation in nationally recognized specialized continuing legal education programs.

Our many years of experience in estate planning allow us to provide thoughtful and thorough advice and services custom designed to meet the client’s specific needs and objectives including the following:

• Working closely with clients to provide the maximum amount of control over assets during their lifetime while protecting inheritances from creditors, divorce, adverse influences and major illness
• Providing the means to ensure that the client, and not the probate court will direct how the client is provided for during a time of illness or incapacity
• Assisting clients in arranging their affairs to reduce the impact of both federal and state estate taxes.
• Providing for intended beneficiaries with special needs without jeopardizing government benefits
• Aiding business owners in planning for passing their companies on to the next generation and providing for the use of buy-sell agreements as appropriate
• Assisting summer residents and “snow birds” with multi-jurisdictional estate planning
• Establishing trusts for a variety of purposes and circumstances including privacy, incentive-based trusts, preservation of assets, and even long term care of livestock and other domestic animals