PRACTICE AREAS
TRUSTS & WILLS
Estate Planning
Some people have the misconception that in order to create an estate plan you need to have extreme wealth, be terminally ill, or be in the later stages of life. While estate planning does apply to these individuals, it also applies to many other situations. Estate planning is for husbands and wives, mothers, fathers, grandparents, business owners, anyone concerned about providing for those they care about, or anyone who wants to ensure long term care for themselves.
At Coel Law you will work closely with Deborah to create a customized plan that helps to ensure that your spouse, children, or their heirs are provided for in the event that you become disabled or pass away.
ESTATE
ADMINISTRATION
Trust Administration and Probate
Trust Administration
Because of the costs and delays associated with probate proceedings, many individuals elect to establish living trusts. In addition, a variety of other trusts can achieve a number of objectives such as protecting assets, providing for loved ones with special needs, or planning for long-term care. While a trust is not probated in court like a will, there are legal requirements associated with administering a trust. In addition, those who have been named as trustees have a legal obligation to properly manage the trust assets.
Probate
Probate is the legal process of transferring property upon a person’s death. Probate is a public, court-supervised process, and it becomes necessary when someone dies without a Living Trust. A Last Will and Testament alone is not enough to avoid Probate, but if the deceased created one, it can act as a roadmap for the Probate process, especially if it identifies the estate’s Executor and the way in which the deceased wanted the estate’s assets to be distributed among its heirs.
Probate is never easy. It comes at a time of loss and grieving and it is time-consuming and it can be expensive. Many people think they need an attorney to oversee and execute the Probate process. But if the Probate is uncontested — if none of the heirs or beneficiaries is disputing the distribution of the estate — you do not need an attorney.
Probate is a very methodical process, and it includes locating and determining the value of the decedent’s assets, liquidating them, if necessary, to pay the final bills and taxes, then distributing the remainder of the estate to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
Business Law
Starting a business is an exciting time but it is also critical that businesses consider what form to take - whether it be an LLC, corporation, or non-profit. Deborah can assist you in creating your business and in drafting and negotiating contracts. She is able to point out the minefields and make recommendations so that your business meets with success.
Part of a network of attorneys to also meet your needs in the following legal areas:
Family law, Bankruptcy, and Trust litigation