Estate Planning and Settlement
A will is a written statement that details the disposition of a person's property or estate. State laws called probate laws provide the legal process for validating wills and handling disputes. Each state also has laws that dispose of a person's estate if she or he has not made arrangements to dispose of it themselves.
Estate Planning is the process of assessing your estate, determining who will receive your property and deciding the best way to carry out your wishes if you die, become disabled or incapacitated. Various estate planning concepts and tools are available to help you accomplish your goals, including: | Asset Protection | Life Insurance | | Durable Power of Attorney | Tax Minimization | | Gifts | Living Trusts | | Joint Property Ownership | Wills |
Estate Settlement is the process of settling the deceased's estate by locating the deceased's property, determining who will receive property and carrying out the deceased's wishes. Estate settlement issues include: | Finding The Will | Payment of Claims | | Locating Heirs | Probate | | Locating and Inventory Assets | Property Disposition | | Payment of Bills, Debts and Expenses | Tax Return Preparation and Payment |
Lawyers that focus their practice on family law, elder law, consumer law or business law typically prepare wills and handle estate administration and settlement. Other lawyers and law firms focus on estate planning and can assist you with more complex estate planning and settlement issues including estate disputes.
Where can I get legal advice about my Estate Planning or Estate Settlement issue or case?
If you have an Estate Planning matter or case and want legal advice for your specific situation, click on the Estate Planning related ads on the right or above to find a law firm and schedule an initial consultation.
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