Estate Planning Lawyer

A will is a document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death and goes through probate. A trust is a legal entity that can hold assets and distribute them according to your wishes, often avoiding probate and offering more control.

You should review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant changes in assets.

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) offers personal asset protection, tax flexibility, and simpler management structure compared to corporations, making it popular for small businesses.

The probate process usually takes 6 months to a year, but can be longer for complex estates or if there are disputes among beneficiaries.

Typically, you'll need proof of income, bank statements, tax returns, identification, and possibly documentation of the source of your down payment.

Strategies include creating trusts, maintaining adequate insurance coverage, and in some cases, forming LLCs or corporations for business activities.

A healthcare directive involves documenting your wishes for medical treatment if you're unable to communicate, and often includes naming a healthcare proxy to make decisions on your behalf.

Consider a power of attorney if you want someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you become incapacitated or are unavailable to handle them yourself.

Start by reviewing property deeds and surveys. If that doesn't resolve the issue, consider mediation or, as a last resort, legal action.