Areas of Practice
Wills
Having a Will in place isn’t just a nice to have- it’s a thoughtful and empowering reminder to your family of how much they matter to you.
A Will protects your loved ones and can help prevent confusion and conflict among family members during an emotionally charged time.
If you have minor children you can name a guardian for them and this will ensure that you choose who cares for them if ever you are unable. Without a guardian in place the courts decide, and it is possible their choice might not align with yours.
Your Will also makes you the decision maker on who inherits your property, money other personal items. Without a Will the state laws take over your asset distribution, which might not align with your intentions.
A properly drafted Will can also speed up the probate process and save your heirs time and money.
Trusts
Establishing a trust can be a powerful estate planning and asset management tool. People set up trusts for various personal, financial, and legal reasons. Here are some common reasons why someone would establish a trust:
Trusts can help avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person's estate, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and public.
Assets in a trust bypass probate, allowing for faster, private, and potentially less expensive distribution to beneficiaries.
You can also use a trust to take control over your estate distribution, protect beneficiaries, plan for special needs, incapacity, along with other benefits.
Other Planning Documents
An Advanced Directive (Living Will) allows a person to legalize their desires regarding medical treatment and end of life care when they are unable to make decision on their own.
A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone they trust to make medical decisions on their behalf if they're unable to do so themself.
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust (called your agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on your behalf in certain matters—either financial, legal, or medical, depending on the type.
Why set up a power of attorney?
Plan for incapacity (e.g., stroke, dementia, coma)
Avoid court intervention—no need for a guardian or conservator
Ensure bills, finances, or medical choices are handled without delays
Empower someone to act on your behalf during travel, illness, or emergencies