Trusts, Estates and Elder Law

Aging individuals and those with special needs face unique legal issues.  Whether planning for retirement and long-term care or assisting a loved one who has special needs, our attorneys can help develop and implement a plan that protects the vision you have for the future.  Our elder law attorneys prioritize a person-centered approach where the needs of the aging or special needs individual are paramount throughout the process. 

Although planning for death or incapacity can seem overwhelming, it is a valuable measure you can take to protect your loved ones.  Our attorneys work with you to determine who should make decisions on your behalf if you are unable and who will inherit your assets.  These critical decisions will preserve your wishes and provide certainty to your loved ones.  Working closely with accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals to develop comprehensive plans, our attorneys use a team-based approach to help you through life’s transitions.  

The death of a loved one can be a difficult and overwhelming time, especially considering financial matters, tax matters, family issues, and legal obligations that may arise.  Our attorneys and paralegals are honored to assist you in navigating these legal complexities.  From probating a will, administering a trust, or preparing necessary tax returns, our experienced team will help guide you through the process and provide you with the confidence that your matter is being handled in accordance with the requirements of the law and applicable documents.

Life is unpredictable.  Irrevocable trusts are often drafted with specific life circumstances and legal consequences in mind.  When those factors change, the purpose and administration of the trust may need to change.  Irrevocable trusts may be modified by agreement of those with an interest in the trust, but sometimes a court proceeding is required.  Regardless of the reason a modification or termination may be needed, simple or complex, our experienced attorneys can assist you with the modification or termination of irrevocable trusts.

Family dynamics and concern for a loved one can result in estate and trust disputes.  In certain circumstances, these disputes may require a court’s involvement.  Whether it is an allegation of undue influence or lack of capacity, a beneficiary dispute, or guardianship proceedings related to the health and financial affairs of a disabled family member, our experienced estate attorneys provide you with practical advice and advocate for the best resolution in court, mediation, or other alternative dispute resolution methods.

Our team of tax attorneys understands the complex laws surrounding the transfer of wealth between generations.  We will help you plan gifts to your loved ones and the distribution of your estate to minimize gift, estate, and generation-skipping taxes.  If you have retirement benefits, our team will provide advice on how to integrate those benefits into your estate plan while limiting your tax liabilities.

Building a business is a significant personal and financial accomplishment, and we are here to help you preserve that success.  When you are ready, our corporate and estate planning attorneys will work closely with you to transfer your business to your children, other family members, key employees, or third-party buyers in a strategic and tax-efficient manner.  We provide technical and practical advice to help you develop and implement a business succession plan at all stages of your business.

More than half of all Americans donate to charity each year.  Through legal advice and planning, we can help you develop a charitable giving strategy that fulfills your wishes, minimizes tax exposure, and fits within your existing estate plan.  Our team advises clients on developing charitable giving plans; understanding the tax implications of charitable giving; and selecting the best vehicle to effectuate your charitable giving.