Practice Areas

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Our attorneys facilitate the distribution of decedent estates, from assisting executors and administrators in obtaining Letters and helping to gather the assets of the Estate, to liquidating assets and making preliminary and final distributions to beneficiaries and heirs.

We assist Trustees and Successor Trustees in sending required notifications to beneficiaries, managing the trust assets, fulfilling tax requirements of the trust, and making distributions.

While no one hopes that a probate or trust administration becomes contentious, there are often many competing interests at stake, and matters can be disputed. In the event you want to challenge a probate or trust administration as a beneficiary, or you need to defend your actions as an executor, administrator, or trustee, you will need experienced legal counsel to assist you. With skill and distinction, our attorneys will efficiently evaluate your case, explore alternative dispute resolutions, file pleadings, correspond with opposing attorneys and necessary third parties, propound and respond to discovery, conduct depositions, and represent you at trial.

This is a specialized area of law, and it is imperative you retain qualified counsel to protect your legal interests.

Planning for the future is of crucial importance to protect your interests. Our attorneys assist clients in drafting clear documents to ensure that their final wishes will be realized.

- Wills allow you to name the executor/executrix of your estate, and to leave gifts to those you leave behind. You can also designate your preferences for guardians of minor children in a will.

- Trusts enable you to hold assets in one location that will pass to the named beneficiaries, and are a key part of any estate plan. A well-drafted trust can help avoid the probate process, which can take years and be costly.

- A Letter of Intent specifically designates to whom you would like your personal property distributed

- A durable Power of Attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf to make decisions for you, and do things like pay your bills and speak to creditors or attorneys, in the event you become unable to do so. 

- Health Care Directives help to outline your personal decisions regarding such things as medical treatments,  persons who may make decisions for you should you become incapacitated, and preferences regarding memorial services.

- HIPAA Authorizations allow you to designate individuals with whom medical professionals may share your healthcare information

Deciding to become a legal guardian is a serious step, and our attorneys are ready to help you understand the various complexities and duties that you will assume as a guardian. If you are planning to pursue temporary or permanent legal guardianship of a loved one, we can help you through the process every step of the way. 

In probate and guardianship matters, there are often tangential legal issues, such as the need for protection against elder abuse or the need to obtain a restraining order. Our attorneys are experienced in obtaining restraining orders to protect family members that may face safety issues during the course of legal actions.

It is an unfortunate reality that oftentimes our elderly loved one find themselves in a vulnerable position and become victims of undue influence or elder abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, or financial.  When it becomes necessary to intervene, our lawyers can file necessary legal actions to protect the elderly or incapacitated.