Wills, Trusts & More
Wills, Trusts & More
When most people think of estate planning, they think of a formal will reading, taking place in a stuffy old lawyer’s office with ominous piano music playing in the background. When we think of estate planning, we think of peace of mind.
Estate plans are more than just Last Wills and Testaments. Documents used in estate planning can address not only what happens after death, but how to ensure easy administration and access to assets throughout your lifetime no matter what happens.
An estate plan can consist of a Will, a Trust, a Transfer on Death Deed, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives or simple beneficiary designations. Every family has unique circumstances, goals and needs. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to an estate plan. For some clients, a simple will is all they need. Others require more complexity with Trusts and sub-trusts and sub-sub-trusts.
No matter what form it takes, an estate plan is simply a plan. It gives you the opportunity to take control of the uncontrollable curve balls life will undoubtedly through your way. Without it, things might work out just fine – the probate code exists to fill in the gaps, but for some, the back-up provisions can become a shock to your loved ones, and may not result in what you really want.
The team at MZ takes the time to get to know you. Who are you? Who do you care about? What do you want? Who do you trust to take care of your children? Your finances? Your pet? In our meeting, we’ll discuss the role of wills and trusts and what exactly probate is. We’ll give you options and guidance. In some cases, a trust makes complete sense. In other cases, a will may be more appropriate. In most cases, a health care directive and power of attorney are essential.
A few of our most commonly used estate planning tools include:
- Simple Last Wills and Testaments
- Pour Over Wills
- Revocable Trusts
- A/B (Credit Shelter) Trusts
- Disclaimer Trusts
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
- Supplemental Needs & Special Needs Trusts
- Cabin Trusts
- Grantor Trusts
- Family Limited Partnerships
- Charitable Trusts
- Appointment of Minor Guardians
- Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Directives
- Transfer on Death Deeds
- Life Estate/Remainder Deeds
Schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers for a free estate plan consultation.
At the free initial consultation, we’ll get a sense of what estate planning tools will be best for you, and the cost of the plan. Most of our estate planning services are offered as flat-fee packages. Just another way we can give you what you expect in this crazy life.