Wills and trusts
The papers that say who decides and who gets what
Most families need four documents. Which of them need a trust around them is the real question, and it is a shorter conversation than people expect.
We write the documents in plain language and walk you through them before you sign. Fees are flat and quoted in writing before work begins.
What a flat fee includes
Will package: a will, a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy and a living will
Living trust package: the trust, a pour-over will, the same three documents and help retitling the house
A signing meeting with witnesses and a notary, in an office or at home
Court, filing and recording fees are separate and paid by you
Which one
Four questions that sort out the plan
Answer these at the kitchen table and you will know most of what the first call would tell you.
Who decides if you cannot?
A durable power of attorney names the person who pays bills and handles accounts. A health care proxy names the person who speaks to the doctors.
Who gets what, and when?
A will does this, and goes through probate. A living trust does it without a court, which matters most for a house or property in more than one place.
Does anyone need extra care?
A child or a relative with a disability can lose benefits from a plain inheritance. A special needs trust keeps both.
Is anything already set up?
Beneficiary forms and deeds override a will. We check them first so the plan does not fight itself.
Questions
Wills and trusts, answered
Trust or will: which one do I need?
For many households a will with a power of attorney and health care proxy is enough. A trust earns its cost when you own real estate in more than one place, want to avoid probate, or need to manage money for someone else over time.
Can my parent and I come in together?
Yes. We often meet both of you, then ask for a few minutes alone with the person the plan is for, so it is their plan.
What if my brother and I disagree about this?
That is common. We can include everyone in a family meeting, but the documents follow the wishes of the person signing them.
How long until I have signed papers?
Usually a few weeks from the signed fee letter to a signing meeting. We say so up front, and we can move faster when someone is in the hospital.
Can you update an old will?
Yes. Bring it, along with any beneficiary forms, and we will tell you what still works and what no longer does.
Wills, trusts or both?
Tell us about the house, the family and the worries. The first call is free and we will sort out the rest.
Fees are quoted in writing before work starts; court and filing costs are separate.