Protecting Your Legacy and Your Loved Ones
Smith, Watts and Associates has extensive experience in estate planning and probate administration. We help individuals and families plan for the future, protect their assets, and ensure their wishes are honored.
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Every adult should have basic estate planning documents in place to ensure their wishes are followed and to protect their loved ones from unnecessary complications during difficult times.
Why Estate Planning Matters:
- Control Your Legacy: Decide how your assets will be distributed
- Protect Your Family: Provide for your loved ones and minimize family disputes
- Avoid Probate: Reduce or eliminate the need for probate proceedings
- Minimize Taxes: Reduce estate and inheritance tax burdens
- Healthcare Decisions: Ensure your medical wishes are known and followed
- Guardian Designation: Choose guardians for minor children
- Business Succession: Plan for the future of your business
- Peace of Mind: Know that everything is in order
Our Estate Planning Services
Last Will and Testament
Comprehensive wills that express your final wishes
Living Wills
Healthcare directives and end-of-life decisions
Power of Attorney
Financial and healthcare powers of attorney
Revocable Trusts
Flexible trusts that avoid probate
Irrevocable Trusts
Asset protection and tax planning trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Providing for disabled beneficiaries
Essential Estate Planning Documents
Core Estate Planning Documents:
- Last Will and Testament: Directs distribution of your assets, names executor, and designates guardians for minor children
- Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf
- Living Will (Advance Directive): Expresses your wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatment
- HIPAA Authorization: Allows designated individuals to access your medical information
- Trust Documents: Establish trusts for asset protection and estate planning purposes
Probate Administration Services
We can assist you with filing, dispersing and closing estates. When a loved one passes away, the probate process can be complex and overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys guide personal representatives (executors) and family members through every step of estate administration.
Probate Services Include:
- Filing the Will: Initiating probate proceedings with the court
- Appointment of Personal Representative: Obtaining legal authority to administer the estate
- Asset Inventory: Identifying and valuing all estate assets
- Creditor Notification: Properly notifying creditors and handling claims
- Tax Returns: Filing necessary federal and state tax returns
- Asset Distribution: Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state law
- Estate Closing: Final accounting and closing the estate with the court
- Dispute Resolution: Handling will contests and beneficiary disputes
Additional Estate Services
- Estate and gift tax planning
- Charitable giving strategies
- Business succession planning
- Asset protection planning
- Beneficiary designations review
- Trust administration
- Estate litigation
- Guardianship and conservatorship
- Elder law and Medicaid planning
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Estate plans should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially when major life events occur:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
- Death of a beneficiary or executor
- Significant changes in assets or financial situation
- Relocation to another state
- Changes in tax laws
- Starting or selling a business
- Retirement
- Health changes
Compassionate Guidance Through Difficult Times
Whether you're planning for the future or administering a loved one's estate, we provide compassionate, professional guidance. We understand the emotional and legal complexities involved and work to make the process as smooth as possible.
Our goal is to help you protect what matters most—your family, your assets, and your legacy.
Ready to Plan for Your Future?
Contact Smith, Watts and Associates to discuss your estate planning or probate needs. We'll help you create a comprehensive plan that protects your loved ones and honors your wishes.
Or contact us by e-mail