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• What is estate planning?

  Estate planning is the process of arranging for the transfer of an individual’s property after death. It often involves a will and/or trust, which we handle for and with you, with your unique goals and wishes in mind.

• Why do I need an estate plan?

  Estate planning allows you and your family to decide precisely who will benefit from your estate. It also allows you to have peace of mind that your estate will not crumble under taxes following the transfer of assets.

• What is a will?

  A will is an individually prepared legal document that allows you to have control over how your assets will be distributed after your passing and who will receive your assets. In other words, it is the document that puts your estate plan into motion when the time comes for your plan to be implemented. The will is also used to determine which of your loved ones will be responsible for seeing to your final affairs as they settle and close your estate. For families with minor children, a will allows you to plan for their care in the event of your passing or incapacitation. A will allows your surviving heirs to avoid a time-consuming probate process and mitigate estate taxes. With Mark M. Turner, we do not “set and forget” your will; it is adjustable throughout your lifetime. This allows you to make any modifications necessary should you decide to do so.

• What is a living will?

  A living will is a statement that details your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that you are no longer able to communicate. It provides specific instructions to healthcare providers in many different possible circumstances. A living will is very personal and individualized when you work with us. Contact our office today online or by phone to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can provide the most holistic living will for you and your family.

• What is probate?

  Probate is the court-enforced process of dealing with a will and any potential disputes regarding a decedent’s estate. The executor of an estate files documentation informing the court of their passing. In the event that there is no executor named in a will, the court will appoint someone to take on the role of executor, who provides the court with an inventory of the decedent’s property and debts, as well as a list of people who are named in the will as beneficiaries, among other responsibilities. Probate can be very time consuming so working with an experienced probate attorney makes all the difference. We are committed to providing the highest degrees of professionalism, personal care, and attention to detail in the probate process from beginning to end, no matter how complex.

• What is a trust?

  A trust is an individually prepared legal document that ensures your assets are used for your benefit during your lifetime. It provides for the transfer of the assets to a beneficiary (or group of beneficiaries) upon your death. A key benefit to a trust is that they do not require probate.

• What is a power of attorney?

  A power of attorney is a document that grants a specified individual, family or friend, the right to act on your behalf in the event of your incapacitation. That individual is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all transactions and decisions that they make for you regarding charitable giving, healthcare, and more, depending on your wishes.

• Have more questions?

  Check out our answered questions on Justia or contact us for a free, 30-minute initial consultation!