Why Work With Us
​Putting You At The Center Of Your Planning
As a parent of three little ones (my ABC), I understand how difficult it can be to think about not being there for our children as they grow up. I know how paralyzing that thought can be and that avoiding the topic seems easier. I also know that the lack of preparedness in the event that the unthinkable happens is so much worse. I have seen families torn apart by conflict over what they believed their loved one wanted. I have worked with grieving families who have been devastated by the unexpected loss of a loved one, not having a plan in place makes it exponentially harder. Many of us know that we need to do something to put a plan in place, but what exactly needs to be done can be confusing and overwhelming.
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Before Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer Understand the Difference
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Many estate planning attorneys take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
When lawyers do not take the time to listen and consider a family’s personal circumstances, the result is that your Will & Trust Documents do not end up reflecting what your family really wants to happen. And usually there is no review or updating, so the plan quickly becomes outdated and does not work when your family needs it most.
So even though you may pay less up front to get a standard set of documents (or even documents that are customized for your family), things end up much more expensive in the long run. Plus, you leave your family at risk of having to deal with an expensive, unnecessary court process during a time of tremendous grief.
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If all you want is a set of legal documents, there are plenty of online resources you can use to create them. Or you can go to a traditional estate planning lawyer. ABC Estate and Legacy Planning is right for you if you want to know that your plan will actually work when you and your loved ones need it the most.
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I am here to simplify that process for you, to educate you and walk you through the various options with compassion, and to empower you to make sure that you’ve done everything you can to protect and plan for your loved ones if you are no longer able to do so. From walking you through what would take place if something were to happen to you with your current plan (or the state’s plan for you if you do not have one), to the decision-making process of putting your own plan in place. I want each client of ABC to walk away at the end of the process feeling at peace with the plan that we have put in place, confident knowing that they have done everything they can to put their family in the best position possible should the unthinkable happen.
Why Does It Matter
If you don't have an estate plan in place, the state has a plan for you and the state will have the final say as to what happens to you, your assets, and who cares for your minor children. This may involve a lengthy court process, it may be a costly process, and it will most certainly be a public process. This may result in conflict between those you love on who should raise your children, conflict as to who should manage your finances, and conflict as to who should make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so for yourself.
The good news is that you can prevent all of this by putting an estate plan in place, you can have the final say as to what happens to your family and your assets at your death. You can choose to do everything possible to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, ensuring that your wishes are followed. You can plan for your children to ensure that they don’t come into an inheritance at 18, but instead receive distributions at the ages that you see fit, upon reaching the milestones that are important to you, or for specific purposes such as for education. If something happens to you and you are incapacitated, you can ensure that your loved ones know what type of care you wanted, and you can choose in advance who you would want making any necessary healthcare decisions and financial decisions for you (until you are able to do so again).
At ABC, I work with each of my clients to determine what type of plan is best for them and customize a plan to suit their specific needs and desires. Read more about me, about the services that we provide, and how easy it is to get started.
