Living Trusts, Wills and Powers of Attorney
What is an estate plan? Do I need one?
These are the two most frequent questions I hear, and they are great questions.
The first question requires that we meet and have a discussion regarding wills, trusts, powers of attorney and any other documents that may be relevant to you.
I thoroughly explain the benefits of each, and what may be best for you, whether you are single, married, in a civil union or committed relationship, and whether you have children or not, and perhaps thinking of retirement planning, no matter your age, I will recommend estate plan options tailored just for your needs. This initial consultation is free of charge.
This meeting will generally provide the answer to the second question — whether or not you need an estate plan. Put simply, virtually everyone who has financial assets of any type –savings, retirement accounts, real estate, an inheritance – should set up a trust or a will so that family members have both direction and legal authority to act upon your passing.
The alternative to having a written, clearly stated trust or will is, frankly, leaving a mess for family members to deal with. These situations generally require family members to go to probate court, which is to be avoided. It can be expensive, very time consuming, and may result in assets being distributed in ways and to people you would not have chosen.
I understand that estate planning can be very emotional, difficult to understand, and subject to procrastination, and I am completely respectful of these feelings.
My approach is to look at estate planning as one of the most positive personal steps that any individual or family can take to feel comfortable moving forward. Because at that point, you have done everything possible to protect yourself and your family.
Real Estate
Buying and selling real estate is becoming an increasingly complex undertaking.
I can help you handle this, based on my thirty years of experience and over 1,000 real estate transactions successfully closed.
My approach centers around a “hands on” process addressing the following:
- Explaining the step-by-step process of what to expect — whether buying, selling, or perhaps both at once.
- Reviewing the contract and discussing any questions.
- Discussing important dates contained in the contract and what to expect.
- Negotiating contract contingencies.
- Monitoring progress of loan approval, and any negotiations under the Inspection Contingency provision of the contract.
- Preparing for the closing, including document preparation and other necessary legal requirements.
- Attending closing and explaining the documents being signed.
- All post-closing follow-up questions.
There are a multitude of steps in each real estate transaction, and it takes experience, attention to detail, negotiating skills and patience to make sure it’s done right.
I bring these qualities to each real estate transaction I handle for my clients. You can be comfortable knowing that I will represent you as I would a trusted family member.