There's no doubt about it - estate planning is complex. It is complex because estate planning is an art, not a science. There are no set rules and there is no one right answer. There are, however, a few (maybe more than a few) wrong answers. Most notably, the failure to do any sort of estate planning can lead to trouble and perhaps even disaster for your spouse, children or other family.
One of several concerns guiding estate planning is taxes. Many people want to avoid unnecessary estate taxation. Still others may wish to avoid federal and state income taxation during their lifetimes and pay little regard to the estate tax consequences after they have passed away. Others are not motivated by taxes and instead, plan with specific objectives such as providing income security for a spouse or children, or making sure a family business stays in the family. Plans can be made for probate avoidance or even to take advantage of the benefits of the probate system.
Our firm handles legal matters in the following practice areas: Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Real Estate, Business Law, Elder Law, Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations, Charitable Giving, Residential Real Estate, Estate and Gift Taxation, Tax Planning, Trusts and Estates, Asset Protection, Guardianship and Conservatorship, Business Formation, Business Planning, Buying and Selling of Businesses, Closely Held Business Law, Family Business Law, Limited Liability Company Law, Partnership Law, Small Business Law.