Adults of any age should consider what will happen to their property and heirs after they die. This process is called estate planning and can ensure that your wishes are followed after your death.
However, estate planning can also impact you while you are still living. Testamentary instruments such as trusts can transfer property at any time. Additionally, powers of attorney or living wills can provide instructions to nominated parties in case you become unable to make your own decisions.
It could be beneficial to speak with a reliable estate planning attorney to determine how your estate plan can impact your life and future. A hard-working Manhattan trust & estates lawyer could help to explain your options and craft documents that fulfill your specific needs.
Why Should People Have Estate Plans?
The purpose of having an estate plan is to avoid the state’s laws concerning intestacy. Intestacy occurs when a party dies without a will or other testamentary document. Kansas Code § 59-504 states that if a person dies without a will in place but has a surviving spouse, the spouse will inherit the entire estate. However, if a person dies with both a spouse and one or more children, half of the estate will go to the spouse, with the remainder split between the children.
Having any form of testamentary document overrides this law. For example, an estate plan could devise a person’s entire estate to a single heir. Alternatively, a plan could provide payments for a charity of one’s choice or provide instructions for a business’ future. A knowledgeable trust & estates lawyer in Manhattan could provide more information about the purpose of an estate plan in avoiding a court-ordered distribution of property.
The foundation of an estate plan is a will. Traditionally, a will nominates an executor who then has the duty to carry out the instructions in the document. A last will and testament only goes into effect once a person dies, and usually must go through probate.
However, this outcome is not always desirable. For example, a party may wish to transfer property before they die. In other situations, they may want to have instructions on hand for what they want to happen in case of physical or mental incapacity.
A local trust & estates attorney could help parties to select an estate plan that works best for them. Different documents that may comprise an estate plan include:
An experienced Manhattan trusts and estates attorney could provide more information about each of these options and assist individuals in deciding which options work best for their situation.
“Seth Brackman’s expertise and dedication make him a top choice for legal defense. Professional, talented, and ready to fight for your case.”
Cole M.
“Exceptional DUI Defense and Trial Success”
“The Addair Law team fought hard for the best outcome on my DUI case, taking it all the way to trial. Highly recommend for dedicated, top-tier defense!”
Brian F.
“Legal Magic with Remarkable Results”
“Seth and Bella worked wonders, securing a DUI diversion agreement and dismissing my hearing. Worth every penny—highly recommend Addair Law!”
Josh B.
“Caring & Professional Representation”
“Tom Addair handled my DUI case with care and professionalism. He was always accessible, easy to talk to, and made me feel supported throughout the process. Highly recommend!”
Built on Integrity, Commitment, and Client-Centered Care
What Sets Addair Law Apart?
Trusted Local Expertise
With a deep understanding of the law and our community, we’re committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way.
Client-Centered Solutions
Our approach prioritizes your needs and goals, with strategies designed to achieve the best outcomes for your unique situation.
Convenient Virtual Consultations
Access legal support from the comfort of your home with secure virtual consultations, tailored to fit your schedule.
Bilingual Representation
We provide legal services in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication and personalized guidance for every client.
Speak with a Manhattan Trust & Estates Attorney Today
Many people think of estate planning as something only necessary for senior citizens. However, life is unpredictable, and an unexpected illness or injury could leave someone unable to care for themselves or communicate their wishes. For this reason, it's never too early to start planning for the future with an estate plan tailored to your needs.
A Manhattan trusts and estates lawyer could guide you through this important process. Our team is here to explain the benefits of estate planning, help you understand your options, and craft personalized documents that reflect your desires. These documents can ensure that your wishes are honored, prevent unnecessary legal disputes, and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Whether you need assistance with creating a will, establishing a trust, or appointing powers of attorney, we are here to help.
Don't leave your future to chance—contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your legacy.
