ESTATE PLANNING

Probate is the state's legal procedure designed to help distribute assets after an individual's death. Through the probate process the court identifies the rightful heirs of the decedent's property, the amount each beneficiary receives and facilitates the transfer of assets to the appropriate individuals. A probate proceeding can be a long and expensive process. By taking the time to develop an estate plan, however, a significant part of this expense and delay can be avoided.

With a proper plan you are able to preserve the value of your estate after your death, and pass as much of your estate on to your beneficiaries as possible. Such a plan may be a simple will designed to ensure an efficient, flexible passing of assets to your family, or it may be a more complex one intended to limit estate taxes and/or to provide for minor children or disabled loved ones. A properly prepared will or trust ensures that your ultimate wishes are implemented.

While most of the focus of estate planning is on wills and trusts, you should also consider giving a trusted individual your Power of Attorney for financial and/or medical purposes. Wills and many trusts generally deal with what happens after you die. Powers of Attorney help with the management of your assets during your lifetime even if you become disabled.

Smith Elliott Smith & Garmey has been providing estate planning and probate law services for over sixty years. The Smith Elliott Smith & Garmey estate planning practice is dedicated to not only making sure your goals are properly documented, but also strives to advise you on how to best preserve the value of your estate. In addition, we try to explain all of the methods available to help manage your assets if you are sick and unable to handle your affairs. We know how to protect your assets when you are no longer able to do so yourself. To contact the firm now call toll free 866-767-4359.

Estate Planning also includes Trusts and Wills.

Listed below are attorneys who specialize in Estates
William S. Kany