Estate Planning
An Estate Plan can be a complicated term. Some people think it has to do with what assets you have and where they go upon your death. This is partially correct; however, a comprehensive Estate Plan will also address what to do with your assets and your needs while you are living, in case you become incapacitated. An Estate Plan might just be a simple Last Will and Testament, or it could be a complex Trust with a Will and guardianship considerations. The best choice you can make for you and your family is to sit down with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, who can guide you through the process.
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Please visit the additional Estate Planning pages for a general understanding of what services are offered. As no two Estate Plans are alike, contact us for a consultation. At Pierce & Howell, we believe that nothing should be left to chance so we must plan accordingly.
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Pierce & Howell has a full service of Estate Planning services including: Contested Wills, Health Care Surrogate, Power of Attorney, Guardianship, Pre-need Guardianship, Inheritance, Living Wills, Contested Trusts and Estates, Decedents Estates, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Estate Planning for Parents of Handicapped Children, Estate Planning for the Disabled, Estate Planning for the Elderly, Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples, Estate Settlements, Family Trusts, Family Wealth Transfer, Living Trusts, Pet Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Revocable v. Irrevocable Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Trust Administration, Trust and Estate Collections, Trust Law, Trust Litigation, Trust Planning, and Unclaimed Property.
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Who needs an Estate Plan?
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The short answer is everyone needs an Estate Plan. It may only be a house, a small amount of money, or even a baseball card collection, but don't you want a say in where your property goes upon your death? Too many people put planning off until they “need” it. Unfortunately, life takes twists and turns, and you will never truly know when you will need to have your planning done. At a minimum, start with basic planning so you don’t leave your property in the hands of a judge to make decisions for you.
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The best time to meet with an Estate Planning attorney is BEFORE you need it. Be proactive. Keep in mind that the last thing you want to leave to your heirs is a headache. A little planning now can go a long way after your death, and can avoid costly court appearances with probate. Even if you are not sure what you need, set up a consultation with us to discuss your options.
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