Areas of Practice > Estate Planning

The Law Office of Heather Durham Nadler, P.C. conducts estate planning for clients of all ages and circumstances. Generally when most people think of an estate plan, the first thing that comes to mind is a Last Will and Testament. And while a Will is an integral part of an estate plan, there is much more to estate planning than just putting into writing what happens to your property when you pass away.

A comprehensive estate plan should also include Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, a Living Will and Advanced Directives for Health Care. Some estate plans may also include trust planning through the use of a Revocable Living Trust, Special Needs Trust or other trust vehicle.

It is very important to make sure that your estate plan is a customized plan which takes into account your objectives and seeks to implement those objectives both now and upon your death or disability. Some aspects to consider are: how assets are titled; how beneficiaries are designated; who will be in charge of your estate should you pass away or be unable to handle your affairs on your own; to whom will your assets pass upon your death; will you leave property outright or do you have beneficiaries who are minors or who have special needs and therefore require oversight of the property you wish to leave them; does your estate plan need to include tax planning which can help minimize federal estate tax; and who should be named as the guardian of any minor children.

By putting into place a well-drafted, comprehensive estate plan, you are able to dictate what happens to you and your property should you die or become incapacitated. This allows you to remain in control while at the same time offering the gift of peace of mind to your loved ones during a period of grief and stress.