Probate & Estate Law

 

 

Estate planning is more than drafting trusts and wills and handling estates

–we at Donaghy Lowy, LLC  counsel you (and your family) and present

practical plans and suggestions for the preservation and the tax-sensitive distribution of your assets to your beneficiaries. We have extensive experience with the complex tax and probate laws which apply to your situation and take pride in our ability to explain practical and understandable solutions for your individual situation. We are sensitive to the specialized needs of seniors, and those who are unable to handle his or her affairs because of immaturity or incapacity. We always keep in mind that in family situations, a solution reached among the parties outside the courts is often the best long-term solution.

 

The Estate Planning Process

Estate planning is a very personal process and an important part of planning for the future for you as well as your family. We are sensitive to the emotional aspects of estate planning and are confident our methods and explanations will make the entire estate planning experience satisfying.

Estate planning commences with an initial discussion of your estate planning objectives and a confidential analysis of present and future assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Detailed consideration is then given to family considerations as well as to tax and probate ramifications; we also include a calculation of estimated federal estate taxes, state estate and inheritance taxes, gift taxes and income tax consequences.

After our analysis and discussion, we present a proposed estate plan including drafts of various estate planning documents. These documents typically include a Will, Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Designation of Patient Advocate (for health care decisions) and Medical Record Authorization forms to comply with Federal privacy rules. The plan may also include additional documents depending upon your circumstances and objectives such as an irrevocable life insurance trust, or other specialized techniques discussed below. Our goal is to help you achieve your objectives for the preservation and distribution of assets to your family while minimizing taxes and other administrative expenses (probate).

 

Understandable Estate Planning Documents

We draft our wills, trust agreements, durable powers of attorney, designations of patient advocate and other estate planning documents so they are understandable to you yet effective in implementing the personal planning and tax strategies in your estate plan.

 

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding Probate and Estate Law, please

contact Donaghy Lowy, LLC to schedule your free consultation.