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Estate Planning

Do You Have a Clear Picture?

Have you ever wondered what would happen legally and financially to you, your loved ones, your assets, and everything you care about in the event of an unexpected occurrence?

If your estate plan is outdated, there’s a risk of losing your assets to the state department of unclaimed property or becoming entangled in an unnecessary and public court process.

Even without an estate plan, your state has a default plan in place, and it may not align with your preferences.

The critical point is this: If you’re unsure about the legal and financial outcomes for your loved ones and possessions, it’s time to gain clarity. Understanding your current situation will empower you to decide whether it aligns with your wishes.

Before delving into personalized planning at Kitzes Law, you’ll complete a Family Wealth Inventory & Assessment. This step aids in clarifying your assets and prompts thoughtful consideration regarding the well-being of your loved ones and belongings.

If, upon reflection, you find the current state of affairs unacceptable and we both agree on a collaborative fit, we’ll work together to design an estate plan tailored to your family’s needs.

The core of this plan often involves a meticulously crafted revocable living trust. When executed accurately and upheld over time, this trust can spare your family the expenses and delays associated with the public probate process while potentially reducing or eliminating estate taxes.

For those with additional complexities, we offer advanced estate planning services.

“Can I DIY My Estate Plan?” ”Can I just go with that $995 plan I saw a Facebook post for?”

This question comes up frequently, and the reality is that most DIY plans fall short. Much of what is marketed as estate “planning” amounts to little more than automated word processing.

DIY plans typically involve answering a few automated questions, after which a software-driven drafter determines which generic “plan” suits you. This approach often results in a template document that may not align with your unique needs or situation.

Others in the legal profession that focus on contested probate and trust litigation love DIY plans and those that are too cheap actually be thoughtful because they keep their litigation practices busy.

While we wish our colleagues well, we recommend that you contact Kitzes Law, so your family members do not need end having to engage in a protracted and expensive legal battle when you become incapacitated or pass.

At Kitzes Law, we have over 26 years of experience. At Kitzes Law we are dedicated to educating you and understanding your family dynamics, concerns, goals, and challenges. We are not in a hurry, it is important to us that we patiently address all your questions, ensuring the design of your estate plan not only fits your needs but also keeps your loved ones out of court and away from conflict.