"…[I]n this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." Benjamin
Franklin, Letter to M. Leroy, 1789
Estate
Planning and Probate
We can help with the simplest to the most complex estates - all types
of individual clients, from those having small business interests to
executives of major corporations, and we represent professionals and
investors. Although we utilize forms to increase efficiency, our estate
planning lawyers focus on providing personalized attention to each of
our clients, helping them to organize their estates in the manner that
best suits them. The diverse property interests of our clients frequently
require our advice concerning transactions in multiple states or foreign
countries. Our estate planning lawyers carry out our commitment to combining
up-to-date professional expertise and state-of-the-art technology to
produce high-quality services promptly and efficiently.
Personal
Lifetime Planning. Much of our time is devoted to the traditional
aspects of will and trust document preparation. We listen to your desires,
consider your assets, and analyze the impact of state and federal tax
laws. Our general tax planning activities involve both individuals and
businesses. We assist clients in organizing their assets in a manner
that best suits them, and in business succession strategies. Once the
client-lawyer planning phase is completed, we draft the documents necessary
to implement the plan, which may include the following:
- Wills (simple and complex, including those with trusts)
- Living trusts-both revocable and irrevocable (including life insurance
and charitable trusts)
- Prenuptial and postnuptial property agreements
- Durable powers of attorney
- Directives to physicians ("living wills")
- Instructions regarding anatomical gifts
We work closely with a number of HCMP's corporate clients to provide
estate and related planning advice to senior corporate executives. As
a team, our lawyers provide assistance in areas such as issuance of
securities, mergers and recapitalizations, real estate transactions,
and questions of international law.
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Living
Trusts. Living trusts (also known as revocable trusts) have
become an important planning tool for many people. Our lawyers have
extensive experience in the drafting, funding, and administration of
living trusts. We routinely advise the trustees of such trusts regarding
administrative matters during the lifetime of the person creating the
trust, and after the death of the person creating the trust, in connection
with the continuation or distribution of the trust.
Trust
and Probate Administration. We represent the personal representatives
and trustees in connection with the initiation, administration and supervision
of trust, estate and other related proceedings. This involves preparation
of pleadings for appointment of personal representatives; inventory
of assets and liabilities; thorough review and analysis of possible
income and estate tax planning options; preparation of necessary accountings;
transfer of assets in estate distribution and closing the probate administration.
We often work in coordination with accountants in connection with completing
estate and gift tax returns. We also represent individual beneficiaries
regarding their personal interests in trusts and estates.
Guardianship
Matters. Should a guardianship proceeding become necessary
to protect and manage the assets of a disabled person, we are fully
experienced in the court procedures and accountings required, from inception
through the completion of the guardianship process.
Some items to help you get started on estate planning matters are included
in Resources.
Business
Succession
Here's
what we do. Our estate planning lawyers have strong backgrounds
in business law and are uniquely suited to assist clients in their efforts
to move family owned businesses and assets intact from one generation
to the next.
Special
Consultations With Other Professionals. We consult extensively
with other lawyers, accountants, life underwriters and financial planners
concerning matters relating to all aspects of personal planning.
For More Information Contact: David
E. Myre Jr.
