Whether you are looking to start a new business, a new relationship, have children coming or are fully involved with some or all of those activities, preparing a will should be the first step in any plan to organize your affairs. Our estate planning services include wills drafting, structuring and implementing trusts and adult guardianship and incapacity planning. We develop strategies to minimize taxes and other financial burdens on clients’ estates and importantly, to protect beneficiaries from needless expense and frustration.
We develop advice for business owners, often in conjunction with professionals such as accountants, insurance advisers and investments advisers to determine which of these strategies applies to their circumstances and goals. Actions can ultimately include corporate reorganizations, shareholders agreements and detailed succession planning.
We represent clients making applications for adult guardianship and advise regarding the responsibilities of trustees and guardians and the use of enduring powers of attorney. We provide advice regarding the preparation and use of Representation Agreements and health care directives.
Acting as an Executor or Administrator is a serious and in many instances demanding responsibility; we assist you in completing all steps in the proper administration of an estate, including locating wills, locating, collecting and safeguarding assets, preparing documents to obtain court approval of your appointment as Personal Representative, dealing with income taxes and other estate liabilities, preparation and passing of the Personal Representative’s Accounts, asset distributions (including land transfers) and the administration of ongoing trusts for infants or lifetime beneficiaries.
We work closely with professionals in the areas of accounting, trusts, banking, insurance and investments, in order to provide you with comprehensive and well-coordinated service.