Estate Planning
Why do you need a lawyer for
planning your estate?

Well, did you know that…
…if you do not have a power of attorney and you become incompetent to make decisions for yourself, your representative (i.e. spouse or adult child) must go through an expensive court proceeding to be appointed as your guardian to act on your behalf?

…if you do not have a will and your property is not all jointly owned with your spouse, all of your property may not pass automatically to your surviving spouse?

…you can designate guardians for your minor children in the event of your death? By naming guardian(s) in your will, your executor avoids the need to, again, go through an expensive court proceeding to protect your children.

…you can design your estate planning documents to minimize or avoid estate and/or inheritance taxes and probate fees?

Peterson & Peterson will help you protect yourself and your family in the event of your incapacitation or death. No one likes to anticipate tragedy but properly prepared estate plans do alleviate some of the stress arising from such events.
Why do you need a lawyer to help you administer an estate?
So, you were named as an executor(executrix) in your relative’s will and that relative died. What do you do? You immediately retain a lawyer to assist you because…

…a lawyer knows what papers to prepare and file to begin the probating of the will,

…a lawyer knows the time periods and limitations within which specific actions must be completed.

…a lawyer can deal with the other beneficiaries in the will and ensure the bequests are followed and accepted.

…a lawyer can determine what debts need to be paid out of the estate.

…a lawyer can help assess the assets of the estate.

…a lawyer can prepare and file the Inheritance Tax Return in the allotted time frame.

…a lawyer can prepare and file the informal or formal accounting of the estate for the court and beneficiaries.

…bottom line, a lawyer can lighten your stress load by handling the legal aspects of the estate administration, allowing you to deal with the emotional issues.
Peterson & Peterson is available
to help you with:
Wills
Wills with Testamentary Trusts
Wills with Bypass Trusts
Revocable or Irrevocable Living Trusts
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
Property Ownership Changes
Living Wills
Powers of Attorney – Financial
Powers of Attorney – Healthcare
Durable and Springing Powers of Attorney
Planning for Estate Tax Consequences
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Nursing Home Planning
Medicaid Issues
Guardianship Issues
Estate Administration
Call us at 717- 632-7171 or e-mail us to schedule
a free initial consultation.
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