Estate Planning

Whether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, attorney Jonathan D. Parnell can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:

Wills, Trusts, Living Wills,Powers of Attorney, Guardianships and Conservatorships.
You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort.  We thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.

Wills
Your Last Will & Testament provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children, and otherwise express your wishes upon your death.

A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, and who cares for your children – making decisions that might not reflect your desires.  We can draft valid wills that ensure your intentions are honored.

As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will to address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, and philanthropic interests.

Trusts
A Living Trust is a trust that is made and funded during your lifetime, and may be used for probate avoidance, to address special needs, or for tax reasons depending on your situation.  A Testamentary Trust is a trust that is part of your will, and may be used for special needs, the care of children, or to meet your philanthropic goals.  Testamentary Trusts ‘spring’ into existence with the probate of your will.

Living Wills
Not to be confused with your Last Will and Testament, a Living Will (sometimes called a Declaration of Intent for a Natural Death) sets forth your wishes concerning your medical care in certain end-of-life scenarios.  A valid Living Will assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.

Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is your means of designating a lawful agent to act on your behalf during your lifetime, and is often made ‘durable’ to ensure the the power stays in effect even if your are incapacitated.  Your ‘power of attorney’ or ‘agent in fact’ may be given general or limited powers (e.g., for healthcare decisions).

Guardianship and Conservatorship
Guardianships and Conservatorships are probate proceedings used to assign the responsibility to care for people under a legal disability.  A guardian is accountable to the Court for the physical care of a disabled person, and a conservator is accountable to the Court for management of a diabled person’s financial income and assets.

Call Parnell Law Office at 785-842-1400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.