Wills, Trusts, Probate Administration

Wills tell your loved ones what you want to do with your possessions upon your death. A Last Will and Testament can be very long and detailed or very short and specific. Many clients need only a short Will that leaves everything to a spouse or children. While simple documents, these Wills are critical to the orderly transition of affairs upon the death of a person. A Will also prevents family heartbreak and discord by providing for the distribution of the person's property after his/her death. The Will takes any guess-work out of what the deceased individual's wishes may have been.

The Last Will may also provide for a trust for the benefit of minor children or disabled adults. Trusts may take ownership of those specified assets in order to protect the assets from misuse or from depletion.

Trusts may also be used to assist in minimizing probate, if not avoiding altogether. Living Trusts are becoming more popular as folks study the probate process and hear stories of bad probate processes. Trusts allow folks to transfer assets in to a "holding company" for their own benefit. Since the trust (holding company) has no fear of death or mortality, then it can hold on to assets after a person's death and continue to manage those assets consistent with the wishes of the deceased.

Clients ask daily why they need a Will if they have a minimal estate. The answer can have several parts, but the main reason is to provide for the routine transfer of assets from the deceased to the beneficiary. Many folks still consider probate to be an evil process filled with pitfalls and expense. The reality is that the process is typically routine and expedient. Let us help you with your Will, Trust or Probate issues. 

Do you have questions or do you want to make an appointment in this area?

Call us at (423) 752-4009 or use our contact form.