Estate Planning and Administration
Estate plans generally include not only a will and/or trust to address disposition of assets at the client’s death, but also durable powers of attorney and advance directives for healthcare so a plan is in place in case of the client’s incapacity.
Good estate planning is a gift to your family, because it answers questions such as:
- Who should care for minor children, if any, in your absence?
- Who should manage your assets if you become incapacitated or die?
- Who should benefit from your estate?
- Who should make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes?
We use the planning techniques most suited to accomplishing our clients’ goals, whatever they are. Typical strategies include:
- Analyzing tax issues and minimizing estate taxes and gift taxes.
- Business succession planning.
- Establishing revocable living trusts to avoid probate, protect privacy and allow for management in the event of incapacity.
- Establishing special needs trusts to provide for individuals with disabilities and need-based public assistance.
- Developing plans for lifetime giving to individuals or charitable organizations.
- Establishing irrevocable trusts to minimize gift and estate taxes.
- Guardianships and conservatorships.
While Dunn Carney’s estate planning and administrationattorneys strive to design estate plans that are flexible and anticipate future situations, changes in the law and in the lives of our clients are inevitable. We therefore encourage clients to periodically review their estate planning documents to evaluate whether they continue to be appropriate. We are always happy to assist clients with the review and updating of their estate planning documents and strategies.
Trust Administration, Probate & Post-Mortem Estate Planning
Dunn Carney attorneys work closely with the trustee or personal representative of the decedent’s trust or estate to distribute the decedent’s assets to the intended beneficiaries as quickly and efficiently as possible. Post-mortem estate planning techniques may also be used to minimize transfer taxes and manage other asset transfer issues. Dunn Carney attorneys also assist clients in completing federal estate, state inheritance, and gift tax returns. With our connection to law firms in other states through Meritas, our attorneys are able to assist clients with transferring property that is located in other states and, if necessary, with administering a probate in that jurisdiction.
Contact person: Marsha Murray-Lusby, Trusts and Estates Practice Group Leader
Team Members:
Dave Buono
Melissa Busley
Ken Davis
Heather Guthrie
Carolyn Larson
Jeana McGlasson
Bob Winger
Prior to meeting with an attorney regarding your will and estate plan, we recommend you complete this confidential family information sheet.
Client Seminars in 2012
Updating your will – When and why?
All about Trusts – The care and feeding of your revocable living trusts, joint versus single trusts
Life Insurance Trusts – how to make this a successful planning strategy
Planning for Medical Incapacity – advance directives and POLSTs
What to do when a loved one dies
The Role of a Trustee – do’s and don’ts
Enews
Jan. 2011 - Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
Nov. 2010- Year End Tax Planning
Articles & Newsletters
Jan. 2011 – Marsha Murray-Lusby is quoted in Forbes Magazine in the Jan. 17, 2011 edition in an article, Rewrite Your Will.
