Frequently Asked Questions

Almost every adult can be protected by durable powers of attorney. A power of attorney is a designation of another person, or persons, to act in your behalf if you are mentally incapacitated, or otherwise need someone to act, say if you are out of the country for a closing on your home. “Durable” means the power of attorney endures the incapacity of the person. Health Care powers of attorney are strictly for medical decisions. At any time, a person could need his or her appointed “attorney-in-fact” to act on his or her behalf, due to injuries from a car wreck, a stroke or heart attack, or the onset of dementia. If incapacity occurs and a person does not have powers of attorney, family or loved ones may have to seek a court-ordered guardianship to assist with financial and medical decisions.

A Revocable Trust is a will substitute; a method to set up your property while you are alive where persons or entities you name are authorized to handle your assets in the event of both your possible incapacity and your death. These trusts, if properly funded, allow your assets to avoid probate.

You need a Last Will and Testament if you own property in your own sole name at the time of your death, with no beneficiary named.

Your particular needs, and your estate, are unique to you. Our attorneys are skilled at listening to your goals, your hopes and worries, and in advising you of the options that exist. Advice and consideration of ramifications, practical and financial, are paramount. Once the needs, goals and assets of the client are considered, we arrive at a recommendation that we believe will best meet your needs.