When people hear "estate planning," many automatically think of older adults. In truth, it's never too early to establish a plan to protect your family, wealth, and legacy should the unthinkable occur. This means having crucial legal documents in place that convey your intentions for your finances, property, children, and healthcare.
At Hemmer Wessels McMurtry PLLC, our clients with emerging and established wealth rely on our broad experience in protecting, transferring, and disposing of business and family assets. We recognize that no two clients are the same and provide personalized attention to develop a comprehensive strategy in harmony with each client's unique business and family priorities and values.
Hemmer Wessels McMurtry PLLC attorneys offer a full range of asset protection and tax planning techniques for estates and businesses of all sizes. These strategies include:
Wills & Trusts
The two most important documents you can create to protect your family's interests are a Last Will and Testament and a Trust. The two can be used separately or in combination to help ensure your children are cared for and your wealth, property, and assets are correctly allocated when you are gone.
There are a few key differences between a will and a trust. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you understand these differences and establish the best plan for your individual situation. You worked hard for what you have, and together, we can make sure it all goes to the right place when you're no longer with us.
There are many different types of trusts. These include:
Revocable "Living" Trusts;
Irrevocable Grantor Trusts;
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts;
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts;
"Crummey" Trusts;
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts;
Qualified Personal Residence Trusts;
Dynasty Trusts;
Sales to Grantor Trusts;
And others.
Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) is an additional important document that ensures you have control over what happens in your life. In the unfortunate event you can no longer make your own decisions, a POA names a person you trust to handle your affairs for you, namely decisions regarding your bills, finances, insurance, and investments. Our estate planning attorneys can help you with this crucial decision, ensuring you and your estate are always in good hands.
Living Will & Health Care Surrogate
The last essential set of documents every adult should have executed is a Living Will and Appointment of a Health Care Surrogate. These documents establish a trusted individual to make decisions for your health care if you cannot speak for yourself. They also illustrate your wishes regarding life support and organ donation. You deserve a say about these critical life decisions, and our attorneys can make sure you do.
Other Documents and Strategies
Ante nuptial & Postnuptial Agreements;
Guardianships;
Organizing and structuring business entities for individuals, families, and their businesses;
Partnerships;
Limited Liability Companies;
Corporations;
C-Corporation to S-Corporation Conversions;
ESOPs;
Buy-Sell Agreements;
Retirement savings and distributions;
401(k) Plans, IRAs, ESOPs, and other qualified and nonqualified retirement plans;
Insurance annuities;
Contact our Wills, Trust & Estate Law attorneys:
