Estates & Trusts

Death and taxes – the two inevitable things in life that no one wants to think about. One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that you have to be nearing the end of your life to prepare. Another big misconception is that you need to have a large estate in order to do an estate plan. The reality is that difficult situations can arise at any time and that it is important to be prepared. Who should have custody of your children? Who should be in charge of making your healthcare decisions if you can’t make those decisions? Where should your estate go? Our Estates & Trusts attorneys have years of experience protecting individuals, families, and their businesses from the inevitable. Our attorneys are also experienced with representing trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries with estate and trust administration, probate, probate disputes, and trust disputes.

Led by Michael R. Helbert, Esq., the estates and trusts attorneys at Arrowood Helbert PLLC are dedicated to creating estate plans designed for each specific client’s needs. Our estate planning attorneys will help you step by step to ensure that you have an estate plan in place that meets your needs. Our attorneys are also here if you need help with estate and/or trust administration, probate, a probate dispute, or a trust dispute.

Representative clients include: individuals and families; trustees, personal representatives, and trust/estate beneficiaries; companies, from start-up LLCs to long established corporations and their owners/founders; and high-profile and high net worth individuals, including professional athletes, entertainers, company founders and others with complex estate planning or discreet legal needs. Arrowood Helbert PLLC prides itself on providing unmatched client service, so let us work to provide you with peace of mind. 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ESTATE PLAN AND WHY SHOULD I HAVE ONE?

The purpose of estate planning is for persons who own property to get the maximum enjoyment from the property during the persons’ lifetime with a minimum of shrinkage of the estate due to taxes upon death. If you don’t do your own estate plan, then the state will provide one for you regardless of your wishes. Here are ten reasons why you should have an estate plan:

1. Avoid probate by distributing assets in a timely fashion pursuant to a revocable living trust centered estate plan and with a minimum of legal hassle;
2. Provide support and financial stability for your surviving spouse, children, and grandchildren;
3. Preserve your wealth for later generations;
4. Designate guardians for minor children to avoid custody issues;
   
5. Make sure your wishes are carried out when you can no longer manage your affairs in the event of incapacity or disability;
6. Provide advance health care plans for emergencies if the situation arises;
7. Support a favorite charity or cause with a gift of money, securities, or other property;
8. Minimize taxes and expenses that can go along with transferring assets;
9. Avoid problems for your loved ones by ensuring that the beneficiaries named on your life insurance and retirement plans are still the people you want to benefit; and
10. Set and meet expectations of your survivors so there is no confusion or misunderstanding.
    

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At Arrowood Helbert PLLC we provide comprehensive estate planning services tailored to the specific needs of the client. Estate plans range from a Last Will & Testament and Revocable Living Trust centered plans with ancillary documents (Living Will, Pour-Over Will, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.) to expanded services that include, but are not limited to, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Beneficiary Deemed Ownership Trusts, Spousal Lifetime Access Trust, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Business Development, Business Succession planning and implementation, and Domestic Asset Protection Trusts.

Our attorneys are also well versed in integrating your business interests into your estate plan.

• • Estate and Trust Administration

  • Probate

  • Probate Disputes/Litigation

  • Trust Disputes/Litigation

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Many estate planning attorneys are good at drafting documents but are not always comfortable with handling the administration of a trust or an estate or settling the disputes that arise with trusts and estates. At Arrowood Helbert PLLC: 

• • We work with trustees and personal representatives to assist with the administration process and with any disputes that may arise; and
  • We work with beneficiaries who need clear guidance on settling disputes​ or just understanding their rights as a beneficiary

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Contact us today to setup a free consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.