Wills, Estate, Probate/Elder Law

People at all income levels should have a will. Written properly it will accomplish a number of things:

• It designates how your assets will be distributed upon your death
• It names an executor who will oversee the distribution of your property
• It names who will be the legal guardian of your minor children

If your loved one has passed away without a will (intestate), the property will dispersed according to the laws of the state in which the person died.  Generally speaking, assets go to the spouse and children, or if none, to other family members. Without a will, the estate will be handled in probate.

If you have been appointed the Executor or Personal Representative of a loved one's estate, there are certain responsibilities that you need to carry out to ensure the estate is handled properly. A funeral director can assist you in filing and obtaining the necessary documentation to carry out your responsibilities.  A probate attorney can help administer the estate properly and make sure all necessary paperwork is filed with the Court.

Should you need assistance with a surviving spouse or family member following the funeral or memorial service, elder law attorneys provide guidance with such issues as social security, disability planning, Medicare and Medicaid, conservatorships and guardianships, trusts, estates, and housing placements, to name a few.