Long-term planning in language you and your family can understand.

If you don’t understand it, don’t sign it; it’s basic advice I give to clients in every area.

It applies to contracts, waivers, and especially, wills. If you can’t decipher what a phrase or paragraph in your will really means, chances are your heirs won’t be able to either. My estate planning philosophy focuses on simple, straightforward planning written in understandable language.

My goal is to ensure that your assets go where you would like, that your heirs understand your wishes, and that you are able to minimize your estate tax liability. For larger estates, I work with each client’s accountant and financial planner to ensure all areas are consistent.

Areas covered:

• Basic wills that transfer assets to your heirs after your death.
• Guardianship and trust provisions that ensure quality care for your children.
• Living wills and Health Care Directives that instruct your family of your wishes if you are on life support or are unresponsive.
• Durable Powers of Attorney that give others the power to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions yourself.
• Trusts designed to avoid probate for those interested in more complex estate plans.
• Estate planning for family businesses and more complex will/trust combinations for large estates designed to minimize estate tax liability while transferring business interests to family.
• Charitable giving plans designed to make contributions to causes you believe in after your death.
• Evaluation and review long-term financial plans, (investments, annuities, life insurance policies, real estate holdings, business interests, etc.), to ensure all are consistent with your estate plan.