Estate Planning, Trust and Will Services

At ArchAngel Trust and Probate Services, it is our mission to offer peace of mind to you and your loved ones through the design of an estate plan that ensures that your wishes are followed, and taxes and time delays are minimized. We promise to guide you with care and patience through each step of the Estate Planning Process.

During our initial interview we will review your current estate plan, if any, and determine what type of planning or changes are needed to ensure your wishes are met and your estate is properly protected. A proper estate plan can include wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and more advanced forms of planning.

A Living Trust is often considered the best strategy to:

~ Avoid the expense and time delays caused by probate or state interference

~ Ensure that your assets are managed prudently (by appointing a qualified trustee)

~ Manage the inheritances of any beneficiaries who may be minors or who are otherwise inexperienced in asset management

~ Secure the peace of mind of knowing your family and other heirs will be well taken care of according to your desires

In certain situations, a Will alone may be enough to avoid probate:

~ You don't own any real estate

~ All of your assets have a named beneficiary

~ You'd like to designate certain personal items to be distributed to various family members

In most situations, a Will alone is NOT SUFFICIENT to avoid probate, so please contact an estate planning attorney regarding your personal situation.

A Health Care Power of Attorney (or Advance Directive) can:

~ Appoint someone to speak with your doctors and make life support choices if you could not make them yourself

~ Direct under what circumstances you want (or do not want) to be on life support, use a feeding tube, or donate organs

~ Appoint someone to work with the funeral home upon your passing

~ Decide who will make decisions regarding nursing/home care if you developed a long-term disability

A Durable Power of Attorney will appoint someone to sign your name on documents and act on your behalf. Among other powers, this person could:

~ Access your bank and investment accounts to ensure your bills are paid

~ File your state and federal income taxes

~ Sell your home if necessary to pay for your care

A Durable Power of Attorney must be signed while a person is still mentally competent. Once a person is mentally incapacitated, they can no longer create one, and it is too late to put this document in place. Without it already signed, the court must become involved to allow you to manage your loved one's financial affairs.

Receiving an inheritance, a life insurance payout, or another sudden financial windfall can be just as overwhelming as it is welcome. Without a plan in place, that wealth can be eroded quickly by taxes, poor timing, or well-meaning but hasty decisions.

~ Understand the tax and legal implications of an inherited trust, IRA, or property before you act

~ Update or fund your own estate plan to protect newly acquired assets for your family

~ Put safeguards in place to avoid rushed decisions during an emotional time

~ Coordinate with your financial and tax advisors so the windfall is protected and works toward your long-term goals

We can help you take a thoughtful, unhurried approach to incorporating an inheritance or windfall into your overall estate plan.