Wills and trusts
A will says who. A trust can say who, when and how.
Most families need one or the other, and some need both. We start with what you own and who you want to have it, then choose the simplest document that does the job.
A will names who receives what you leave, who looks after young children and who carries out your wishes. A living trust can also keep a house or savings out of probate and set the pace: a little at a time, or at a certain age. The right choice depends on what you own and how your family is arranged.
We prepare
Wills, for one person or a couple
Revocable living trusts
Deeds that pass a home to a child
Trusts for a child or grandchild
Updates after a marriage, a death or a move
Flat fees
What each package covers
Each office sets its own fee and gives it in writing before work begins. Court filing fees and county recording fees are separate and are passed along at cost.
- Flat fee, per person
Will package
A will, a financial power of attorney, a medical power of attorney and a directive to physicians.
One meeting to plan, one to sign
Copies for you and the people you name
- Flat fee, per person
Living trust package
A revocable living trust, a will that catches anything left out, the powers of attorney and the deeds that move a home into the trust.
A list of what to retitle and whom to call
A review meeting after one year
- Flat fee
Update
A change to a will or trust you already have: a new child, a divorce, a move, a different person to carry out your wishes.
We read your current papers first
A short signed amendment
Questions before you start
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
For many families a will and the powers of attorney are enough. A trust helps most when you own a home or land you want to pass on without probate, or when a child needs money held back. We will tell you honestly if the simpler document will do.
I wrote a will years ago. Is it still good?
Often yes, but not always. A marriage, a divorce, a new child, a death or a move can change what it should say. Bring it to a first conversation and we will read it with you.
Can my children come to the meeting?
If you want them there, yes. If you would rather meet alone first, that is common too. The plan is yours, and you decide who hears it.
Ready to draw your family on one page?
Tell us what you own and who you have in mind. We will suggest the simplest plan and quote a flat fee in writing.