ESTATE PLANNING, WILLS, AND TRUSTS
Many individuals and families with relatively small estates are either told or believe that they need complicated trusts to avoid probate or estate taxes. However, for many middle income families, a trust is not needed to avoid estate taxes and there are often simpler and less costly options to avoid probate and to ensure that a decedent’s wishes are fulfilled. These include, but are not limited to, the use of beneficiary deeds for real estate, proper beneficiary/payable on death (POD) designations for bank, retirement, and other financial accounts, and a properly drafted Will.
As an attorney and CPA, Doug Lickert has the skills and experience to perform comprehensive estate planning, but strives to offer practical and affordable options to fulfill clients’ estate planning goals and needs. Mr. Lickert provides tailored and personal service that includes preparation of the following estate documents:
• Wills and Living Wills
• Revocable/Living Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Beneficiary Deeds
• Health Care Directives
SMALL ESTATE PROBATE AFFIDAVIT
For decedents with no debt and less than $100,000, excluding the value of a homestead, property may be distributed to heirs and will beneficiaries by filing an Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate. Formal probate is not necessary and the process rarely involves the probate court. The $100,000 limit for small estates does not include stock, bank, or retirement accounts that have beneficiary or POD designations. For decedents with debt, more than $100,000 in probate property, excluding the personal residence, and family members or beneficiaries who do not agree on the distribution of property, a formal probate filing may be necessary.
My Commitment
I offer comprehensive estate planning in a candid, straightforward manner. The process begins with a free telephone consultation. My advice will be tailored to your unique needs and you will not receive a canned sales pitch. I will let you know whether or not I can be of assistance and try to direct you elsewhere if I can't. If I can, I will strive to make the process as easy and pain free as possible, including possibly providing an in home visit to execute documents.