Hard-Working. Practical. Responsive.

Transactional

I often draft living wills, health care surrogates, powers of attorney as well as last wills and testaments for my client’s to help prepare your family for the future.

A will is essential at every stage of your life, providing you with the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your minor children and otherwise express your wishes for what will happen with your property upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to someone who is not your blood relative, e.g., a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet — and the decisions the court makes might not reflect your desires. I can draft a valid will that accurately conveys your intentions so your final wishes will be honored.

Wills are not difficult to execute, but simple mistakes can render them invalid in whole or in part. That is why all documents I draft always include execution at my office for no charge. An error in the execution of your will can cause confusion in the court and rancor among your heirs. To make sure that your wishes can be carried out, I will draft a valid will that can withstand challenges of almost any type.

As your life unfolds, your circumstances may change and your concerns may shift. To remain current, you should review and update your will every three to five years. I review your will in light of your current finances, marital status and family situation.

Your will allows you to make contingency plans for the care of your minor children. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent, but married couples must also consider the remote possibility of death in a common accident. If you have not named a guardian for your children, the court appoints one, who may make decisions contrary to your wishes. In your will, you can also make arrangements for the care of your pets, naming a guardian to take responsibility for them.

Drafting an effective will is more involved than drafting a valid will. I work closely with you to identify your legacy goals and advise you on the best means to achieve them. Sometimes, this means conveying assets via a will and setting up a Revocable Trust, which I do as well. Finally, I draft many other documents such as a Durable Power of Attorney, a Living Will (DNR) health care surrogate and other documents.