Wills, Trusts, and Probate

Estate planning

We offer various estate planning options on a fixed-fee basis.  After consultation to determine the parameters of your desired estate plan, you will receive a firm estimate that includes reasonable consultation time both before and after your estate plan is complete.  

Will-based estate plans

Plans in this category include a self-proving will, durable power of attorney, advance health care directive, guardianship nomination for minor children, and authorization to use and disclose protected health care information (necessary to allow your chosen health care representative access to your medical records).  The plan may or may not include one or more testamentary trusts (a trust that is established through a will) to provide for minor children or for estate or inheritance tax planning.
      

Trust-based estate plans

Plans in this category include a revocable living trust, pour-over will (which “pours” any remaining personal assets into the trust at death), durable power of attorney, advance health care directive, guardianship nomination for minor children, and an authorization to use and disclose protected health care information. These plans include assistance with re-titling assets in the name of the revocable living trust.
    

Beneficiary designations

All packages include instructions for making optimal beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, other retirement accounts, and life insurance.  

Probate

Because every probate is different, and it is difficult to determine at the outset what complications might arise during the proceeding, probate representation is charged on an hourly basis.  A typical full probate costs between $3000 and $5000 in attorney’s fees, which are paid out of the estate at the conclusion of the proceeding.  Fees will be lower in small estate proceedings (estates with no more than $200,000 in real estate and $75,000 in personal property).
  

Other services

Additional legal services available upon request.