Estate planning and real property lawyers are those attorneys who focus on the area of trusts and estates law, sometimes known as the law of succession, which is defined as those laws governing the disposition of a client’s property and the management of his or her affairs in anticipation of death or incapacity.
The will is the document most directly associated with this process; trusts and tax planning involving both federal and state tax codes are often important factors as well. An estate plan is drawn up to distribute real and personal property to the client’s intended beneficiaries with the goal of preserving as much wealth as possible for the heirs while creating maximum flexibility for the client during his or her lifetime.
Our estate planning attorneys are pleased to assist clients with a thorough review of their assets and the development of a long-term plan for asset management and transfer. Our attorneys work closely with clients to determine their wishes and create a plan designed to carry out their wishes.
Some of the estate planning tools we use include wills, trusts, community property agreements, separate property agreements, powers of attorney, living wills, medical powers of attorney, special limited powers of attorney, testamentary trusts, revocable living trusts, special needs trusts and credit shelter trusts.
We assist clients with all aspects of probate including the probate of an estate with a will or without a will. Probate can be a difficult and time consuming process, don’t try to handle it alone, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
We handle all of the necessary legal details so clients can focus on their family and friends during difficult times. We prepare all documents, contact creditors, publish required notices, handle distributions, obtain federal tax ID numbers and perform other necessary requirements of the probate process.
A well-crafted estate plan is the greatest gift you can give your loved ones. The proper use of available estate planning tools can minimize the tax burden to your heirs, while easing the transfer of assets. It is never too early to establish an estate plan.
Estate planning offers the opportunity to craft a legacy — to ensure our wealth gets to the people and organizations we care about, protect our families, reduce taxes, and pass down our values. It can also help with planning for retirement or periods of incapacity.
Our long experience has taught us to take a comprehensive and holistic approach to estate planning. Our accomplished professionals, all of whom are former practicing trust and estate attorneys, can work with you and your legal advisors on all aspects of estate planning, including helping to prepare the next generations to serve as stewards of the family wealth. Our ultimate goal is to help you craft a comprehensive and current estate plan that meets your needs today — and for generations to come.
Don’t delay in planning for your future. To protect yourself and your loved ones in the future, we can help you today to establish a plan to handle your health and financial interests in the event you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself, and also a plan for preserving and ultimately distributing your assets to your heirs.
A well designed estate plan is the best way to avoid the expense and complications of probate. The proper use of available estate planning tools such as wills, trusts, gifts, and business plans can minimize the tax burden to your heirs and ease the transfer of assets. It is never too early to establish an estate plan.
Probate is the process whereby the court oversees the orderly distribution of an estate. The probate process can be long and complicated. We have significant experience taking estates through probate, often with a minimum of expense to the estate.
As skilled probate attorneys, we inventory the assets of an estate, obtain appraisals on property, settle the debts of the estate and work with their accountants, advise clients with respect to payment of any taxes owed by the decedent.
One of the best ways to help assure that your assets will be managed for your family, as you intended, is to develop a comprehensive estate plan designed to meet your individual needs. The estate planning process may involve working with your financial, tax and legal advisors to develop a customized estate plan.
Everyone can benefit from the development of an estate plan, regardless of age, income or wealth. An estate plan can reduce the taxes and expenses of an estate, simplify and speed the transfer of assets to the next generation and help ensure that minor children and beneficiaries are protected.
Harlan Mitchell is committed to providing a common sense estate plan, especially for those clients with modest estates who want to plan for the care of minor children, appoint guardians, avoid probate, or execute powers of attorney for health or property.
Harlan Mitchell represents clients in all aspects of real estate transactions, including buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, developers, and investors. The firm strives to protect our client’s interests while facilitating the closing of real estate transactions without unnecessary delay or disputes with opposing parties and attorneys.
At Harlan Mitchell, clients and real estate brokers will deal directly with an attorney from the signing of the contract until closing. This hands-on approach allows Harlan Mitchell to better protect clients interest, expedite the process, and ensure a successful closing.