Estate Planning and Probate
At Denise Jomarron Legal Group ("DJ Legal Group"), we believe that there is no time like the present to work on your estate plan. Many individuals think there is no need for estate planning because they are young or have no assets. While this may be true, the fact is that even those with little to no assets have thought about what they would like to see happen when they are no longer with us. Working on an estate plan is important because it honors your final wishes and provides support, financial and otherwise, for your family and loved ones during a difficult and challenging time. DJ Legal Group can help guide you in customizing the best estate plan to meet your needs, whether it be a simple will, trust, power of attorney, health care surrogate, living will or all of the above.
A Will is a legal document that coordinates the distribution of your assets after death and it is important because it allows you to clearly and precisely communicate your wishes. A Will also provides for the appointment of an Executor and/or Trustee, and allows you to designate how monies or property will be distributed. A Will may also provide for the appointment of a Guardian to care for minor children or incapacitated individuals. In the end, DJ Legal Group's goal is to draft your will and other estate planning instruments in a way that will avoid probate. Owning assets or property in your own name can be problematic so make certain that you consult with DJ Legal Group on the best approach to ownership and distribution.
A Trust is a highly useful estate planning tool that can serve your interests during life and after you have passed and can be a highly cost-effective way to solve a variety of estate planning issues. Unlike a Will that does not take effect until after your death, a Trust can protect your family from a multitude of issues, such as guardianship, should you become disabled. Additionally, Trusts can help you and your loved ones avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings, that in the end, do not accomplish your intended goals. DJ Legal Group can sit down with you to explain why a Trust may be appropriate and how it will best serve your needs. The primary goal is to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime and for the designation of a trustee to manage your estate during periods of disability or incapacity and to preserve assets for the next generation.
A Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate and Living Will allow you to designate an agent to make decisions regarding your finances, property, healthcare and end of life care. These legal documents become increasingly important as you age and require care or in the event of unforeseen incapacity. DJ Legal Group can help you designate an agent who will act in your best interest.
Even when extensive estate planning has taken place, you may face challenges to a Will, Trust or Guardianship. Probate courts oversee the administration of property after death, guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults. DJ Legal Group provides varied probate services, understanding the sensitive nature of familial disputes and the need for guidance when maneuvering through complex legal hurdles. We can help you appoint a special representative to administer an estate, transfer property and assets, or open a Probate matter when pursuing a wrongful death claim. The death of a loved one is an emotional time for everyone. Disputes over an estate can heighten these emotions so it is important that you retain experienced and skilled counsel to handle these matters for you.
