Estate Planning with Heart, Clarity, and Experience
Make decisions today that bring peace of mind tomorrow for you and your loved ones.
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Legal Expertise. Human Understanding.
I’ve spent over 47 years working with families—advocating for them in courtrooms, guiding them through conflict, and helping them find clarity in uncertain times. I’ve witnessed firsthand the emotional and financial toll that comes when families are left to navigate major decisions without a plan. I’ve also seen the deep relief and peace of mind that comes when loved ones are protected by thoughtful, intentional planning.
Estate Planning is More Than a Will
What Estate Planning is:
Estate planning is the one area of law where attorneys truly get to counsel. It’s about sitting down with you, understanding your unique goals, and helping you make informed decisions to protect your family, your assets, and your future. It’s about clarity, compassion, and control, whether that means naming guardians for your children, creating a trust to avoid probate, or making sure your pets are cared for. A thoughtful plan brings peace of mind today and protection for your loved ones tomorrow.
What Estate Planning is NOT:
Estate planning is not just printing out a quick will or handing over a stack of forms. A basic will alone often leads to court proceedings, delays, and unnecessary costs for your heirs. Without a comprehensive plan, your family may face legal confusion and emotional stress when they’re least equipped to handle it. Estate planning shouldn’t be rushed or generic. It should be personal, purposeful, and built to truly serve your wishes.
Protecting Your Kids in Case of Emergency, Illness, or Death
Most people think a Will is enough to protect their kids, but it’s not. A Will only takes effect after death. It doesn’t help if you’re seriously injured or hospitalized and can’t care for your children.
Imagine you’re in an accident and rushed to the hospital. Your kids are at home with the babysitter. What happens next? The babysitter can’t legally keep them. Police or Child Protective Services might try to find a relative, but if they can’t, your children could end up in temporary foster care while the courts figure out what to do.
Without a plan, your kids could be cared for by someone you wouldn’t choose, or even a stranger. This can happen whether you’ve passed away or are simply unable to care for them due to illness or injury.
Most estate plans don’t address this. But I will help you build one that does.
Together, we’ll create a plan that names the people you trust to step in during an emergency. Someone close by who can act immediately, and others for longer-term care, if needed. Your chosen caregivers will have signed, notarized legal documents they can show to authorities so your kids stay with people you trust, not in foster care.
We’ll also plan for how your children’s financial needs will be covered, and if needed, appoint one person to care for your kids and another to manage their money. That way, everyone’s playing to their strengths.
Let’s build a plan that protects your kids, your wishes, and your peace of mind, no matter what life brings.
WILL VS. TRUST: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
- Takes effect only after your death
- Must go through probate court
- Becomes public record
- Names beneficiaries for property and guardians for minor children
- Can be contested in court
- Doesn’t help manage your affairs if you become incapacitated
- Usually less expensive upfront, but may cost heirs more in legal fees later
- Takes effect as soon as it’s signed and funded
- Avoids probate court entirely
- Remains private and confidential
- Can Manage your assets during life, after death, and in case of incapacity
- Allows quicker distribution of assets to heirs
- Can include detailed instructions of assets to heirs
- May involve higher upfront planning, but saves time and money for your loved ones
The Estate Planning Process
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I guide you through each step with clarity and care, so you can feel confident about the decisions you’re making for yourself and your loved ones.