Estate Planning

Irrespective of the stage of life you find yourself in, the desire to ensure the well-being of your loved ones and the protection of your hard-earned assets remains paramount. If this resonates with you, you’ve come to the right place.

At Atkinson Law Firm, our mission is to help you achieve peace of mind and secure your family’s future through a thoughtfully crafted estate plan, tailored to your specific situation and needs.

Estate planning encompasses a wide range of considerations and options. While there are numerous strategies available, certain key documents are typically fundamental in any comprehensive estate plan:

• Last Wills and Testaments: Wills dictate the distribution of your assets after your passing.  However, it’s important to note that Wills typically go through the probate process, which can add complexities and delays.

• Trusts: Similar to Wills, Trusts also determine what happens to your assets after your death. However, unlike Wills, Trusts can bypass the probate process entirely, streamlining the asset transfer process.

• Power of Attorney: These documents appoint an individual, known as your “Attorney-in-Fact,” to make important decisions on your behalf, such as financial or medical matters.

• Transfer of Real Estate Ownership: These documents transfer legal ownership of your property depending upon specific circumstances. Examples of this include quitclaim deeds and special warranty deeds.

• Advance Healthcare Directive and HIPPA-compliant Authorizations: Often referred to as “living wills”, an Advance Healthcare Directive allows you to express your preferences concerning end-of-life decisions, including whether you wish to remain connected to life support.