Estate Planning

Estate planning is often viewed as something needed only by the wealthy or elderly. Many also perceive the process as complex, time-consuming, and costly. This may explain why nearly 66% of Americans do not have a will, let alone an estate plan. However, these beliefs are not true, and nearly everyone would benefit from estate planning regardless of age or wealth.

The biggest problem with estate planning is that the vast majority wait until it is too late. 

By planning sooner, your options are usually greater and you have much more control over the results. Being proactive helps you and your family avoid the need to make crucial decisions amid a crisis. During a crisis, your options are often severely limited and the outcomes are typically less than ideal. 

As the quote from Benjamin Franklin reminds us, no one plans to fail; they just fail to plan. My recommendation?  Plan while you can.

Hire a Knowledgeable and Experienced Attorney

I understand that estate planning is personal to each of my clients. That is why I take the time to understand your unique situation and listen to your goals and objectives. That way, I can develop a comprehensive and cost-effective estate plan that allows you to Plan For The Road AheadSM. 

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning focuses on the types of documents used to specify, in advance, what happens to your estate after your death or how your personal affairs are handled when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children, delegate agent authority under powers of attorney, minimize disputes, create trusts to protect your assets or avoid probate, and more.

Estate Planning Services

At the Law Office of Christopher Welch, LLC, I offer a range of estate planning services, including:

• Wills | At a minimum, a will outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death, nominate guardians for your minor children, designate who serves as your personal representative, and who can access certain types of assets. I will help you create a will that accurately reflects your wishes and ensures your assets are distributed accordingly.

• Trusts | Trusts can be a valuable estate planning tool for those who want to avoid probate or have specific requirements for managing their assets after they pass away. Moreover, a trust provides more privacy concerning your affairs. I will help you determine if a trust is right for you. If it is, I will assist you in creating and managing your trust. 

• Financial Power of Attorney | A financial or general durable power of attorney allows you to give someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf in case you become incapacitated, temporarily or permanently.  It also allows your agent to care for pets, temporarily run your business, and possibly make estate planning decisions on your behalf when you cannot.  I will help you determine what to include in this useful instrument, how much authority to delegate, and when to limit your agent’s powers. 

• Advance Directives | Also known as Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and declaration to become an Organ & Tissue Donor.  These directives allow you to designate others to make health care decisions, express your wishes regarding end-of-life care when you cannot, and become an organ donor. There are numerous considerations when making these directives, and I can help you navigate each one. 

• Business Succession | You have worked hard to build your business.  Let me show you how to create an estate plan that protects your business assets, ensures a smooth transition of ownership, and potentially minimizes tax implications.

• Probate Avoidance | I can also help you take advantage of numerous methods to avoid probate court without relying on a will or trust.

• Appointment of Funeral Representative | Few are aware that even if they have a burial plot and pre-paid for a funeral their final wishes might not be honored. I can help you appoint a representative to ensure your final requests are honored.

Contact My Office Today

At the Law Office of Christopher Welch, LLC, I understand the estate planning process, and I am committed to transforming your uncertainty and apprehension into peace of mind. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and learn more about how I can help you develop a strategy to Plan For The Road AheadSM. Call my office today at (614) 401-8461 to schedule an appointment.