Areas of Practice

Estate Planning

Estate planning is beneficial for individuals at any stage of life, particularly those with dependents, property, or specific wishes about their care and legacy. Estate planning legal services help individuals protect their assets, ensure their wishes are honored, and provide clarity and support for loved ones during difficult times. This process involves creating essential documents such as:

  • Wills, which specify how property should be distributed after death;

  • Trusts, which can help manage and distribute assets efficiently while avoiding probate;

  • Advance health care directives, which outline medical preferences in case of incapacity; and

  • Durable powers of attorney, which authorize someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Probate Administration

Probate administration is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate, ensuring that their debts are paid and remaining assets are properly distributed to heirs or beneficiaries.

This court-supervised process often involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying outstanding obligations, and distributing the estate according to the will or state law.

Probate can be complex and time-consuming, especially during an already difficult period of grief. Legal guidance can help executors or administrators navigate the process efficiently, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Whether you're named in a will or need help starting the process, working with an experienced probate attorney can provide clarity, support, and peace of mind.

Trust Administration

Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing the assets held in a trust after the creator of the trust (the grantor) has passed away or become incapacitated.

Unlike probate, trust administration typically occurs outside of court, offering a more private and efficient way to handle an estate. The trustee is responsible for tasks such as notifying beneficiaries, managing assets, paying debts and taxes, and ensuring that distributions are made according to the terms of the trust.

While it may seem straightforward, trust administration involves strict legal duties and timelines that can be overwhelming without proper guidance. An experienced attorney can help trustees understand their responsibilities, avoid legal pitfalls, and carry out their duties with confidence and accuracy, ensuring the trust is administered smoothly and in accordance with the grantor's wishes.

Conservatorships

A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints a responsible person (the conservator) to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of someone who is no longer able to do so themselves due to age, illness, or incapacity.

This may include making decisions about healthcare, living arrangements, and managing income or assets. Conservatorships are often necessary when no estate planning documents-such as a power of attorney or health care directive-are in place, and immediate help is needed to protect the individual's well-being and resources.

While the process involves court oversight to ensure accountability, it can be complex and emotionally challenging. An experienced attorney can guide families through each step, help prepare required documents, and ensure the conservatorship is established and maintained according to the law, offering peace of mind during a difficult time.

Deeds

Deeds are legal documents used to transfer ownership of real property from one person or entity to another.

Whether you're adding a spouse to a title, transferring property into a trust, gifting property to a family member, or updating ownership after a loved one's passing, having a properly prepared and recorded deed is essential to ensure the transfer is legally valid and recognized.

Mistakes or omissions in deed preparation can lead to costly delays or disputes down the road. An experienced attorney can help you choose the right type of deed, ensure it meets all legal requirements, and handle the recording process with the county, giving you confidence that your property transfer is handled correctly and efficiently.