Areas of Practice

Estate Administration

Did a friend or family member pass without a will?  If they have assets, their assets must generally go through the probate process.  This process requires an individual to be appointed as the administrator of the estate in order to settle out your loved one’s affairs.  Our comprehensive estate administration services preform all the steps necessary to obtain the appointment of an Administrator including assistance serving as administrator, preparation of the necessary filings, negotiations with creditors, and closing the estate. 

Probate of Will

If a friend or family member dies with a will, the will must go through the probate process to distribute your loved one’s assets the right way.  Our services will confirm the validity of the will and assist you with being appointed as Personal Representative.  Once appointed as Personal Representative, we can assist you with distributing the assets the right way to beneficiaries, manage and transfer legal title of assets, including real estate, and assist you in following the terms of the will.   We also offer assistance representing Executors, heirs, and interested parties.

Guardianship

Guardianships provide Guardians with full authority for all personal decisions, or can be tailored to provide only limited assistance with certain types of personal decisions. We can assist you in determining what type of Guardianship best suits your situation and can assist in filing the petition to appoint a Guardian, petitioning to resign as Guardian, or termination of a Guardianship.

Conservatorship

A Conservator may be appointed in order to make financial decisions for minors or adults who need assistance with financial matters. The advice of an attorney is important to tailor the appropriate assistance. We can assist you in petitioning to appoint a Conservator, or petitioning to terminate a Conservatorship.

Adoption

The adoption process is guided by laws and regulations from start to finish. There are state and federal laws that apply for adoptive families and prospective birth mothers. This requires filling out mountains of paperwork and filing it with the right department at the right time.

If you’re considering adoption, it’s not your job to handle the legal aspects of adoption. As your adoption attorney, we can assist you throughout the process and help you complete a successful adoption.

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

A Last Will and Testament allows you to select who will manage your estate, who will inherit your assets, how and when your assets will be distributed.  If you do not have a will or need to update an existing one, we will help you select and draft the appropriate will to ensure your estate is taken care of. It is also important to remember that a new will must be executed if you marry or remarry.

Whether you wish assets will be placed in trust or have minor children you want to plan for if you die before they reach adulthood.  Please call for a consultation. 

Name Change

Are you or a loved one thinking about a name change? We can take care of the process for you.