A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are to be distributed after death. A carefully prepared will helps ensure that your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. We prepare wills tailored to your family, assets, and goals, including provisions for beneficiaries, personal representatives, guardians, and the distribution of personal property.

If you already have a will but have experienced a significant life change, such as marriage, divorce, birth, or relocation, we would be happy to sit down with you to evaluate whether your current estate plan is consistent with your objectives and circumstances.

A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee manages assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Unlike a will, a trust can take effect immediately upon creation and continue after your death. A trust provides greater control over how your assets are managed, allows you to specify how and when beneficiaries will receive those assets (even after your death), maintains your privacy, and can allow you to avoid probate.

We advise clients on revocable living trusts and other trust arrangements designed around their families, property, and long-term objectives. Our work includes preparing trust documents, coordinating related estate-planning documents, and helping clients understand the steps required to place assets in the trust.

Financial and medical durable powers of attorney allow you to choose who may manage your affairs when you are unable to do so for yourself. The person you choose essentially stands in your shoes and can do anything you could do if you were personally present. Without a durable power of attorney, your family may need to seek court authority before acting for you. We prepare powers of attorney that reflect your preferences, identify appropriate decision-makers, and define the authority you want them to have.

Advance health care documents (sometimes referred to as a "living will") allow you to make medical decisions and communicate your wishes if you cannot speak for yourself. We help clients prepare clear, coordinated directives addressing medical decision-making, end-of-life preferences, access to health information, and the selection of trusted health care agents.

The death of a loved one can bring unfamiliar legal and administrative responsibilities. We guide personal representatives and families through probate and estate administration, including court filings, notices, asset collection, creditor matters, property transfers, accountings, and distributions to beneficiaries. Our goal is to make the process understandable and help the estate move forward efficiently.

A guardianship or conservatorship may become necessary when a loved one is unable to manage their own personal or financial affairs due to incapacity. We help families petition the court, understand the duties and reporting obligations that come with a court appointment, and navigate the ongoing oversight involved in caring for a ward's person or estate. We also discuss alternatives, such as powers of attorney, that may allow a loved one to retain greater independence.