Estate Planning & Administration

Our elder law and probate attorneys assist with estate planning (including wills and trusts), probate of estates, administration of trusts, guardianships and conservatorships

Estate Planning

We work with our clients to develop estate plans (wills and trusts) so that property may be transferred in a predictable, orderly, and efficient manner.

  • Will – the declaration of an individual’s wishes regarding his or her property after death.
  • Trust – A fiduciary relationship whereby property (real or personal) is held by one party for the benefit of another.

If you are considering creating or revising your estate plan, you can rely upon our firm to help you understand the benefits and consequences of each planning option. Our ability to listen and provide wise counsel will help you make an informed decision for whatever action you choose.

Clients can rely on our firm for expert advice regarding:

  • Management of your assets now and throughout your lifetime.
  • Joint ownership of property.
  • Use of limited liability companies to manage and transfer property.
  • Living wills and advance directives for health care.
  • Durable powers of attorney and revocable living trusts.
  • Options for gifting assets.

Probate of Estates

The process of administrating a will can be complex and time consuming. Our estate lawyers represent administrators (personal representatives) in settling estates. Our firm is here to guide you through the following tasks:

  • Interpreting wills and preparing court documents.
  • Collecting estate assets.
  • Preparing and reviewing estate inventories, tax returns and accountings.
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries.

Guardianships and Conservatorships

We also represent persons who wish to be guardians and conservators for family members or loved ones who have become incapacitated. For guardianships and conservatorships our attorneys:

  • Prepare court documents to appoint a fiduciary.
  • Help marshal assets and settle claims.
  • Prepare an inventory of conservatorship assets.
  • File required annual accountings and reports.
  • Assist guardians in planning for care of the incapacitated person.

Trust Brown, Tarlow, Bridges & Palmer for knowledgeable advice about estate planning and administration. Contact Attorney’s Steve Palmer or Rich Brown for your estate planning needs.