In a world of constant change, two things are certain. Death and Taxes. With proper estate planning we can help you provide for your loved ones after your death, and minimize dreaded estate taxes.

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There are many things that family and friends are confronted with at the death of a loved one. Organizing and distributing the loved one’s assets can be one of the most time consuming and expensive tasks put on those left behind.  Preparing for these hard times is a very important step we can take now in order to help our loved ones when we pass on.

A Will is a document that sets forth your wishes about how your assets are to be distributed after your death. It must conform to all requirements of the law.  It must be executed with all the formality required by law. The requirements of law in each state are different.  It is important that you have a competent lawyer prepare your Last Will and Testament.  It is one document that cannot be changed once it becomes effective, i.e. after your death.  It is extremely important that it is done correctly. 

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Your Last Will and Testament is often the last important document you leave.  It can create a legacy.  It can create history.  Many people do not know that the Nobel Prizes for Peace, Science, Literature, etc. were created by the Last Will and Testament of Alfred Nobel.  

Your Last Will and Testament can be your legacy to your family, friends and loved ones.  It can tell them how you feel about them and what you want to leave for them. It can be an expression of your love and care.  You should be sure it is exactly what you want and is legally sufficient. 

Without your personal Last Will and Testament, the state law of intestacy determines who gets what from you and who is in charge. Often it is not what you would have wanted. You can avoid a lot of fights, dissensions, and confusion by having a valid, clear Last Will and Testament. Identify who is the best person to put in charge (i.e. be your Personal Representative or Executor.) They protect your assets during Probate and distribute them as you direct. 

If you have minors or elders that need their shares to be protected you can create a testamentary trust for their shares. You do not need to be a millionaire to have a trust. Any person with someone to protect, like minor children, elderly relatives or disabled beneficiaries, can make very good use of a trust.

Here at Ellis Law we want to make sure that your wishes and desires come first. We take the time to listen to your wishes and design an estate plan that best accomplishes those wishes.