At Jacoby & Meyers, we have been helping people with estate planning since 1972. Most importantly, we can help you establish a will and/or a trust to facilitate the management of your estate in the event of your death. We can also help you to establish a medical and/or financial power of attorney so that your medical and/or financial wishes are followed should you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions or make your decisions clear.
We help you establish:
A will is a legal document describing the distribution of a person’s assets following that person’s death. Furthermore, a will can be used to name guardians over minor children and their estates. Sometimes, wills establish conditions and limitations to be placed on guardians concerning where children should live and how their assets should be managed.
A trust helps to avoid the costly and lengthy proceedings of probate court. It also allows the designation of trustees, whether individuals or trust companies, to handle your estate even before your death in the event of your mental or physical disability. Trusts are also beneficial in protecting assets from creditors. Finally, trusts allow you to pass property to your children to hold in trust for your grandchildren, without subjecting the property to two rounds of estate taxes, following first your death, then following the death of your children, with some limitations.
Powers of attorney can be granted over either medical or financial decisions. These two powers of attorney are separate and can be granted independently or jointly. Please refer to our powers of attorney pages for more information.
Unfortunately, death comes for us all, and no one knows the time or the place. To help protect your children, your grandchildren, and yourself in the event of unexpected incapacity or death, please contact our estate planning lawyers today. Jacoby & Meyers has offices throughout the U.S.