Practice Area
Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of putting instructions and decision-making arrangements in place for the future. The documents involved depend on a person's circumstances and the law that applies.
Wills
A will sets out how property should be distributed after death and can name a person to administer the estate. It can also address guardianship for minor children. A will generally takes effect through the estate administration process.
Trusts
A trust can hold and manage assets under instructions set out in a trust document. A revocable living trust is one option sometimes used in estate planning, often together with a will. Whether a trust is useful depends on the assets involved and the person's goals.
Powers of Attorney
A financial power of attorney lets a person designate someone to handle specified financial or legal matters on their behalf. A medical power of attorney addresses who may make health care decisions if the person cannot make them. The authority and requirements of each document depend on state law and its terms.
Other Documents
Estate planning may also involve advance health care directives and beneficiary designations for accounts or insurance. These documents can work alongside a will or trust, so it is useful to consider them together.