- Living Trust & Will Preparation
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Power of Attorney for Finances
- Probate Avoidance Planning
- Estate Administration
- Conservatorship
- Guardianship of Minor Children
Living Trust Preparation
A living trust is similar to a will because it explains how your property should be distributed after death. It is different in that your assets are placed in trust during your lifetime, yet you remain in control of your assets for as long as you live. With a living trust, the estate usually doesn’t have to go through the probate process, thus avoiding costly court fees. Diane will advise you on the various advantages and disadvantages of a living trust and handle the legal processes if you decide that it’s the right choice for you.
Will Preparation
A will is a legal document showing how you want your property to be distributed after death. Diane will help you draw up a will according to your specifications.
Advanced Health Care Directive
This document appoints an agent to make health care decisions for you in the event that you aren’t able to make these decisions yourself. It also allows you to specify any wishes you have regarding your health care, including decisions concerning life support. Diane will help you explore all of your health care options and arrange a legal contract you can depend on.
Power of Attorney for Finances
The Financial Power of Attorney can be general or specific. For example, an agent can be appointed to handle your finances during a trip abroad during a set period of time, or in the event of a prolonged illness if indeterminate length. Diane will make sure that your finances are handled as efficiently as possible.
Probate Avoidance Planning
Probate is the process of having a court supervise the distribution of your estate. It can be time consuming and expensive. Diane will explain the details of the legal process of probate and discuss what can be done to make the process easier for you and your family.
Estate Administration
Estate Administration is the process of managing the decedent’s estate: gathering the assets, paying the debts of the decedent, and then transferring the assets to the beneficiaries.
Conservatorship
A conservator is an agent appointed by the court to oversee your finances or make personal decisions on your behalf. Conservatorship differs from Power of Attorney in that it requires a court proceeding, rather a Power of Attorney (Financial or Medical) which is an independent legal document drawn up without need of the court. If you need to handle the finances or make medical decisions for someone who has become incapacitated, you are welcome to contact Diane to learn how best to help your loved one who lacks capacity.
Guardianship of Minor Children
If you are a parent with minor children, it is important that you appoint a guardian to care for your child in the event of your death. The guardian can be given full responsibility of the child’s care, or you may appoint a separate guardian to oversee finances for the child. Diane will help you arrange all the details of this very important document.