Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning Services

An interest in a family business, or proceeds traceable to the sale of an interest in a family-business, may be among a Client’s most valuable assets. When a person dies intestate, i.e., without a will, then statutory “default rules” determine the identity of heirs, and the distribution of assets to those heirs. The result of intestate succession may very well be unintended allocations and distributions of probate assets and/or an immediate threat to the continuing viability of a business. In contrast, a Client who executes a well-drafted will expressly identifies her intended beneficiaries and her intended bequests and helps to ensure the vitality of a closely-held business.

Before addressing traditional estate planning considerations, we can help preliminarily with (i) business continuation planning; (ii) succession planning; and (ii) buy-sell option agreements.

Traditional estate planning services include drafting and formation of: (i) simple wills for single persons or married couples; (ii) “disclaimer” wills for married couples; (iii) bypass wills for married couples; (iv) revocable (“living”) trusts with pour-over provisions; (v) family limited partnerships; (vi) contingent and educational trusts; (vii) private foundations; and (viii) IRS exemption applications.

Additional documents such as durable powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, and directives to physicians may be obtained through this firm.