A will is a document which only goes into effect upon your death. It is limited to naming the heirs for your property, appointing a guardian for minor children, and appointing an executor or personal representative.

Wills tend to be a bit less expensive than trusts, but they almost always require a court probate proceeding. These legal proceedings are time-consuming and very expensive.

A trust is an excellent tool to manage your estate. A trust is effective as soon as you sign the paperwork and fund it by transferring property to it. A trust is a legal entity that owns property for you, while you still get to use and enjoy it. Done right, a trust is almost transparent- you’ll never know it’s there, at least until you need it. Property owned by a trust bypasses probate, making trusts far better at distributing property. And trusts provide some protection for your assets during your lifetime as well.

From a health care power of attorney, which allows those you designate to make health care decisions when you can’t, to an advance directive which allows you to pre-determine important decisions, we can help you ensure that you or those you designate make the important decisions regarding your health care.

There are a lot of options when it comes to planning for financial decisions. A power of attorney allows the person or people you designate to act for you. Whether that’s as simple as going to the bank or as complex as coordinating complicated financial transactions, a POA allows flexibility for you and your loved ones.