It is important that most clients have an effective Estate Plan long before it is needed. Additionally, rather than merely working to transfer assets of a person upon their death, we provide “living documents” that provide legal benefits and controls while a person is alive. These may include a Directive to Physician and Family or Surrogates (a “Living Will”), a Medical Power of Attorney (when one is unable to make their own health care decisions), a Durable Power of Attorney (to handle certain transactions and affairs when one is unable to do so for himself or herself) and perhaps other documents as a special need or desire arises, such as appointment of Guardians should the need ever arise.
Upon a person’s death, we work to ensure as smooth a probate process as possible. Obviously, when probating the Last Will and Testament of a loved one or close friend, people are going through a difficult time in their lives and we are sensitive to that reality. We assist the process by reviewing the decedent’s estate and working directly with the executor and/or families. The probate process can be simple or complex, depending on family and estate issues.
We strive to resolve all matters in a timely and efficient manner. We assist in preparing the necessary paperwork for starting the probate and estate administration process. We can also help with final income tax returns issues and appropriating distributing the estate assets. We can prepare a Federal Estate Tax Return (form 706) and necessary trust tax returns that may be required.
We can also advise on alternatives when someone dies without a will. Our goal is to assist and advise on the best way to administer and distribute the assets of the estate in a quick and efficient manner. Our lawyers also assist in the estate planning process by working with their clients to best set forth their wishes for long-term asset planning, distribution of their estate upon their death, health care wishes and guardianship matters.
The attorneys at Coveler & Peeler work with each client to hear their goals and concerns and prepare an estate plan and documents that are tailored to meet those goals and needs. With proper planning, one is able to protect your inheritance for children, reduce estate taxes and minimize the cost and burden of the probate process.