Wills, Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate Lawyers
Many Americans don’t have a will, trust or other estate plan. If you don’t have a plan for your estate, it leaves your estate vulnerable to costly Probate court fees, potential legal battles and other difficulties for your loved ones after your passing. Depending on your personal situation and assets it is usually wise to consider a diversified approach to your Legacy Planning. Our attorneys understand estate planning can be an uncomfortable process, but it is necessary to ensure the wealth and property you’ve accumulated over your lifetime is fairly endowed to your family. We will take the time necessary to learn about your unique situation and help you make informed decisions about your estate planning.
Estate Planning and Probate Services
- Charitable Remainder and Lead Trusts
- Durable Powers of Attorney
- Estate and Gift Tax Planning
- Estate Tax Minimization
- Family Limited Partnerships
- Guardianships
- Healthcare Surrogate Designations
- Insurance Trusts
- Healthcare Surrogate Designations
- Insurance Trusts
- Living and Testamentary Trusts
- Post-Mortem Estate Planning
- Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Probate Cost Minimization
- Probate and Estate Litigation
- Special Needs Trusts
- Tax Return Preparation
- Wills
Wills and Trusts
Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complex world of wills and trusts. While each individual situation is different, it is important to remember that only through a will or trust can you be sure your assets will be distributed as you desire after your death. Trusts deal with the specific assets that have been transferred into the trust, while wills control the distribution of all of assets that are not placed into a trust or controlled by beneficiary designations.
Your objectives and the nature and extent of your assets will be considered in determining whether a will, trust or some other type of entity is best suited for your circumstances. In certain instances, the use of a trust can substantially reduce the costs to your beneficiaries in administering and distributing your assets at death.
While working to develop your comprehensive estate plan, our lawyers will take into account important factors such as your current income, savings, debts, loans, taxes, real estate, and investments. Legacy Planning often includes charitable giving to specific causes you would like to positively impact upon your passing. Regardless of your personal or financial circumstances, our lawyers will guide you through the tax ramifications of your estate plan and ensure your family’s interests are protected.
You should also consider ancillary documents such as power of attorneys, health care power and surrogate appointments and living wills. Failure to have these type of documents can result in delays in handling business and financial affairs, and difficulties in times of medical need.
Don’t forget you should consult your attorney every few years, or when a major event occurs in your life, to ensure your estate plan is complete and up to date.
Probate Attorneys
Probate is the legal process through which the property and assets of a decedent are assembled and valued, debts and taxes paid, and the remaining property distributed to the beneficiaries. Our attorneys will work closely with the estate’s personal representative throughout the probate process for the effective and efficient administration of the estate, and to resolve any conflicts and disputes that may arise.
Beneficiary Representation
At times the heirs, beneficiaries, or other loved ones of the decedent will object to a will or the activities of the appointed personal representative. In these circumstances, we can represent the beneficiaries to ensure that their individual rights are protected throughout the administration process.
The Law Office of Dye Harrison – Generations of Vigorous Legal Representation
Please call us at 941-748-4411 or 941-746-1167 to schedule a consultation. Meet with one of our knowledgeable attorneys who will guide your family through the estate planning and probate process.