Estate Planning is a term frequently used but rarely understood. Typically, Estate Planning focuses on putting one’s financial affairs in order to answer the question of, “What happens to our property when we die?” Subsequently, the conversation focuses on a one-size fits all document commonly called a living trust. Such a limited perspective changes what should be a comprehensive and dynamic planning session into a narrow and brief discussion about which set of cookie-cutter documents avoids probate for the least amount of money. The end game becomes avoiding a court process called probate. Having handled numerous probate court matters since 1989, we agree that avoiding court proceedings is a very good goal, but it is NOT the end-all.

We believe the more critical questions are:

  • What if we don’t die, but become seriously ill and/or incapacitated?” and
  • How can our legacy pass to our loved ones so that it does more good than harm?

Therefore, we believe Estate Planning should meet the following definition:

“We want to maintain control of our assets while we are alive and well (our favorite season);

Take care of ourselves and our loved ones should one or both of us become seriously ill or incapacitated (our most dreaded season);

Upon our passing (the inevitable) we want to:

    • Give what we have,
    • To whom we want,
    • When we want,
    • In the way we want so our loved ones are protected and provided for;

In the most efficient manner while avoiding the hassles and delays of court involvement (Probate Court); and,                        All at the lowest overall cost to us and those we love.”

In short, Estate Planning is about planning for the different seasons of life so you and your loved ones are prepared for the more difficult, but inevitable later seasons of life. Planning that is personalized and comprehensive provides peace of mind to our clients and their loved ones.

Personalized and tailored planning that meets the comprehensive definition above and that truly provides peace of mind, takes time, energy and commitment, by us and our clients. However, our clients and their families find the effort worthwhile as they journey through the later seasons of life.

Whether you are looking to create your estate plan for the first time or to update your existing plan, our unique planning process described below can help you fully answer the following critical questions of:

  • What happens to our property when we die?
  • What if we don’t die, but become seriously ill and/or incapacitated?” and
  • How can our legacy pass to our loved ones so that it does more good than harm?