Estate Planning/Probate

The death of a loved one can be a very trying experience. The last thing your family wants to deal with is an estate that is disorganized and has no plan. A properly prepared estate plan will help your loved ones fulfill your wishes. It can also make the process of handling the estate an easier, faster, less expensive, and less stressful experience. The attorneys at our office are experienced in both preparing the estate planning documents and assisting with the handling of the estate for heirs. We can also assist with Medicaid planning and estate tax planning issues.

If you find yourself in need of a lawyer in any of the following areas, or if you are unsure or confused about just what you require, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you:

Wills and Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Health Care Directives
Community Property Agreements
Pre-Nuptial & Post-Nuptial Agreements
Probates
Inheritance
Guardianships
Elder Law

Frequently Asked Questions:

If I need a Will or other estate planning services, how do I get started?

Advance preparation is the key to effective estate planning so that your assets will be handled and your loved ones will be cared for in the manner that you desire. The first step is to prepare a list of all the assets and liabilities you have. Next, you will want to make a list of people that you want to share in your estate. Please give us a call with any questions and/or to set up an appointment so that we may sit down with you and discuss all the options, and ensure that your estate planning goals are met.

I am having surgery and was told I need a Health Care Directive or Medical Power of Attorney. What is that and do you provide that service?

A "health care directive" lets your physician, family and friends know your health care preferences, including the types of special treatment you want or don't want at the end of life, such as your desire for resuscitation and artificial nutrition and hydration.

By considering your options early, you can ensure the quality of life that is important to you and avoid having your family "guess" your wishes or having to make critical medical care decisions for you under stress or in emotional turmoil.

A “medical power of attorney” gives a specific person or persons the authority to choices for you should you be incapacitated or unable to make decisions on your own with regard to your medical care. You select who should handle your health care choices and discuss the matter with them. You could name a spouse, relative or someone else.

Our attorneys are very familiar with both forms and with a little bit of information from you, can prepare either of these types of documents fairly promptly.

My mother just passed away. How do I know whether a probate is needed to take care of everything?

Whether a probate is needed or not depends upon the nature of the decedent’s estate. Please call our office and we can review the assets and liabilities of the decedent with you and advise you as to whether you need to probate the estate or if other options are available.

Please call us at 360.533.2865 or email us at izglaw@izglaw.com!

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