Clients have various needs in the areas of wills, trusts, and related documents. Then there are the multitude of issues to be addressed in settling an estate or administering a trust. Often times these are very sensitive and personal matters. As a sole practitioner, I will personally handle all matters involved in your case.

Whether you need help creating a will or trust, contesting the validity of a will, settling an estate or administering a trust, I have over forty years of experience to meet your needs.

Estate Planning

Wills and trusts can be used to meet a variety of estate planning needs. Younger clients may use them in connection with life insurance to benefit a spouse and children. Clients in later years may use them to transition into retirement living arrangements, as well as distributing their estates. In some situations, however, a simple, inexpensive power of attorney may alleviate the need for a trust.

As an experienced estate planning attorney, I am able to prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives to meet the needs of both simple and uniquely complex estate planning situations.

If you have not updated your wills, trusts, powers of attorney and/or advanced medical directives in the last five years to include provisions for digital property, it is important to do so. Some Advance Medical Directives provided by medical facilities still do not contain these provisions. These provisions make it much easier for your executor, trustee, power of attorney and agent to perform their duties. Do them a favor by updating these legal instruments now.

Administration of Estates

As an estate planning attorney, I can also assist clients with the probate of wills and the administration of estates and trusts, including the preparation of accountings for submission to Commissioners of Accounts.

Guardianships and Conservatorships

Sometimes the need arises for the appointment of Guardians and Conservators for persons who have suffered a stroke or who have dementia, and survive with diminished mental capacity. As an experienced litigator, I can also aid you in the negotiation and litigation of the appointment of a Guardian and Conservator for a mentally impaired person.

Numerous unforeseen issues arise in these situations necessitating the help of psychiatrists, investment brokers, accountants and healthcare providers. Often legal issues are intertwined with these issues and I am able to offer you insight and perspective to deal with such legal problems.

Of course, everyone should have an Advanced Medical Directive to address emergency and unanticipated medical decisions.

Will Contests and Other Litigation

Many Estate Planning Lawyers will not go to Court with you, if the need arises. I have litigated Will Contests, Trust Interpretations, and conflicts between beneficiaries and fiduciaries. I am well versed in the psychiatric and psychological issues involved in litigating the prior mental capacity of a decedent to make a valid will.