Regardless
of the size of your estate, Loucas Law can ensure your assets will
be properly managed, should you no longer be able to do so, and
that they will be transferred to others as you so choose. Estate
planning also involves addressing your other personal and health
care needs, in case you are no longer able to care for yourself.
While a properly drafted will is one component of estate planning,
other documents are also necessary to address all of your needs.
If your estate
is small in value, we can help you determine who is to receive your
assets after your death and who should be in charge of its management
and distribution. If your estate is large, we can also discuss ways
to preserve it and reduce or postpone the amount of estate tax,
which might otherwise by payable upon your death.
 Wills,
Guardianships and Trusts
While
a will is important to ensure your assets are passed on according
to your wishes, simply having a will may not be enough to protect
your assets or take care of your family. You may need to designate
a trusted representative to handle the estate, or create a guardianship
for the care of any minor children. A properly drafted will may
also reduce certain probate-related fees.
At Loucas Law,
we are also experienced in drafting trusts to protect and preserve
valuable assets such as your home, pension or savings. A trust can
avoid probate and minimize or eliminate inheritance tax obligations.
If you have a disabled dependent, a trust can be established to
ensure long-term care. A trust can also postpone the distribution
of significant assets until minor children reach a certain age.
Living
Wills with Health Care Power of Attorney
Recent
events have demonstrated just how important it is to make sure your
wishes for medical treatment are carried out, should you become
seriously ill or injured and no longer able to make these decisions
for yourself. A properly drafted living will, in conjunction with
health care power of attorney, can spare you loved ones from having
to make difficult health care decisions on your behalf.
Review
of Current Estate Plan
A
thorough review of the status of your current assets is important
to plan for immediate and long-term needs –– before
an unexpected illness or accident occurs. We can help you analyze
assets, liabilities, cash requirements, insurance and retirement
benefits and plans. If you or your spouse has been the primary financial
decision maker, a review of the current estate plan will help you
both gain a clear picture of your financial situation ––
and peace of mind.
Durable
Power of Attorney
Having
a durable power of attorney can avoid the necessity of a court-supervised
guardianship, if a person becomes disabled or mentally incompetent.
Often power of attorney is granted to both spouses to enable personal
business transactions to continue without interruption and to avoid
the costs associated with guardianships.
Probate
Navigating
the probate process can be confusing and difficult. Our experienced
attorneys are committed to making this process as painless as possible.
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