Estate Planning Attorneys and Lawyers

What Do Estate Planning Lawyers Do?

Estate planning lawyers deal with arranging for the disbursement of your assets, such as preparing wills, trust, and other estate planning documents.  Other than protecting your assets, they also address the client’s income tax issues, they keep track of the estate checking account, they collect life insurance proceeds, as well as determine whether any estate and gift taxes will be due.  Furthermore, they help clients make determinations regarding their retirement plans, including IRAs and 401(k)s. 

Should You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

Having an estate plan is extremely important in planning for your future.  One day, your will, your trust, and other estate planning documents governing your assets and personal objectives will be the only documents remaining that will help in identifying your final wishes.  You will not be around to tell the court or your family how you would have liked to distribute your assets and that is why it is highly critical to hire experienced counsel to aid you through this important process.  Moreover, while you are alive but disabled, doctors will rely on the instructions you have personally provided in your living will regarding the nature and extent of your care.  Furthermore, an estate-planning attorney will act as your personal representative and assist you with taking care of a number of personal, yet necessary affairs.  Every state has its own laws and it is important to speak with an attorney from your state.

The advice and direction of your estate planning attorney will be essential to implementing an estate plan that both disposes of your assets according to your wishes and meets your other personal objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Estate Planning?
  Estate planning is a process to consider alternatives for, to think through, and to set up legally effective arrangements that would meet your specific wishes if something happens to you or those … more
• How to Obtain a Death Ceritifcate
  When you are helping to wrap up the affairs of the deceased, you will probably need a death certificate to get access to bank accounts, safety deposit boxes and insurance proceeds.  It is … more
• What Sorts Of Instructions Are Made As Part Of An Estate Plan?
  An estate plan consists of one or more documents that set forth instructions. Some documents are used to control health care decisions, others control your property in the event of your incapacity, … more
• What are Some Typical Estate Planning Documents?
  Several of the following documents are typically used as part of the estate planning process:   A Will, sometimes called a Last Will and Testament, to transfer property you hold in your name … more
• When Should I Start My Estate Plan?
  The only time that you can prepare and implement an estate plan is while you are alive and have legal capacity to enter into a contract. If you are unable to manage your own affairs or suffer from … more