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What can an estate planning lawyer do for me?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As an estate planning lawyer, I can assist you in creating a comprehensive plan that will manage your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes after your death. There are several key things that an estate planning lawyer can do for you:

  1. Establish an Estate Plan: An estate plan involves creating a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. An estate planning lawyer can help you create a will or trust that reflects your wishes for your assets.
  2. Minimize Taxes: An estate planning lawyer can help you minimize the taxes that will be incurred upon the distribution of your assets. They can help you take advantage of tax planning tools, such as gifting, charitable donations or lifetime gifts, to minimize your exposure to estate taxes.
  3. Protect Your Assets: An estate planning lawyer can help you protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits and other forms of liability. They can help you establish trusts, limited liability companies, or other legal structures to safeguard your assets.
  4. Health Care Directives: An estate planning lawyer can help you establish healthcare directives, such as living wills, DNR orders, or medical powers of attorney, to protect your interests in the event of incapacitation.
  5. Choose Guardians for Minors: An estate planning lawyer can help you choose guardians for minor children and develop a plan that will ensure their welfare.

There are some potential limitations or exceptions to these services. For example, estate planning laws vary by jurisdiction, and the applicable state or federal laws may impose restrictions or requirements that must be complied with when creating an estate plan. In some cases, the estate plan may be challenged by family members or other interested parties, which can result in litigation.

I would suggest creating a comprehensive estate planning document that protects your assets, minimizes taxes and ensures that your wishes are carried out. This document should be reviewed and updated by an estate planning lawyer every few years or whenever your circumstances change. By finding a good estate planning attorney, you can minimize your legal risks and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.