FAQs

Why hire a lawyer for real estate?

Purchasing or selling real estate can be a stressful and confusing process. Hiring your own attorney will insure that all of your legal rights are protected, and there are no conflicts of interest involved in the transaction. We represent you, and you alone, but we work with all other professionals involved in the process to bring about the purchase or sale in the best manner possible.

______________________________

Why is an estate plan necessary?

There are several reasons for establishing a complete and consistent estate plan:

1. Providing for Lifetime Illnesses or Events

Preparation of powers of attorney, living wills, health care proxies and other directives will insure that your loved ones have the ability to make the proper financial, medical and personal decisions for you should you become incapacitated, either permanently or temporarily.

2. Allowing for an Orderly Transfer of Assets Upon Death

Whether by will or trust, proper estate planning will allow for a deceased person’s assets and liabilities to be handled in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The Probate or Administration process can be difficult and time consuming, but can be made easier and more cost-effective by actions taken during one’s lifetime.

3. Reducing Taxes

Significant and costly tax consequences can be generated by ones death. Through basic planning, taxes can be reduced or even eliminated, on both the state and federal levels. More advanced techniques can be used by married couples or individuals to reduce the portion of the estate lost to tax liability.

4. Protection for Beneficiaries

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is to insure that minors, including physically or mentally challenged children, are cared for in the manner you wish. Assets can be protected for such children, and selecting those who will care for the children=s needs is a must. Adult children may also have specific situations that require planning and consideration, and a comprehensive estate plan can insure these issues can be correctly resolved.

5. Avoiding a Mess

Failure to make a viable estate plan can lead to disputes, a waste of time and money, costly court proceedings and can split a family apart. Some simple solutions are available to insure that none of these problems plague your estate.