Asset Protection, Power of Attorney

How Powers of Attorney Protect You and Your Family

Power_of_Attorney

When we think about estate planning, our minds often go straight to wills and trusts—but powers of attorney are just as vital. These legal documents help ensure that if something unexpected happens and we become unable to make decisions for ourselves, a trusted person can step in to manage important aspects of our lives. From paying bills to making medical choices, powers of attorney provide protection, flexibility, and clarity during times of uncertainty. Creating these documents now can save our families from future stress and confusion.

The Difference Between Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney

There are two primary types of powers of attorney, and each serves a distinct role:

  1. Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy)
    This document allows us to name someone—called a health care agent or proxy—to make medical decisions on our behalf if we’re ever unable to do so. This includes decisions about treatments, surgeries, medications, and end-of-life care. It’s a key part of any comprehensive health care directive.
  2. Financial Power of Attorney
    This document authorizes a chosen agent to handle financial matters such as paying bills, managing investments, selling property, or accessing bank accounts. It can be broad or limited in scope, and it can take effect immediately or only upon incapacity.

Having both types in place ensures that all aspects of our well-being—physical and financial—are covered should we need support.


Choosing a Trustworthy and Capable Agent

Selecting the right person to act as your agent under a power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning decisions we can make. This individual will be handling personal, sensitive, and often complex matters during a vulnerable time.

Here are a few key qualities to look for:

  • Trustworthiness: Your agent should be someone you believe will act in your best interests and follow your instructions.

  • Financial or Medical Competence: Depending on the type of power of attorney, choose someone who understands finances or health care decisions—or at least someone who knows when to ask for expert guidance.

  • Proximity: Having someone who lives nearby can be helpful in emergencies or for tasks that require in-person attention.

  • Reliability: Your agent should be responsible, communicative, and able to manage potentially stressful or urgent situations.

It’s also a good idea to name a backup agent in case your primary choice is unable or unwilling to serve when needed.


How Powers of Attorney Function During Incapacity

One of the most critical times a power of attorney is needed is when we’re no longer able to manage our affairs due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline. In these situations, time is often of the essence. With a valid power of attorney already in place, our chosen agent can step in immediately—avoiding court delays and the need for a guardianship proceeding.

Depending on how the document is structured, powers of attorney can be "durable" (remaining in effect during incapacity) or "springing" (only becoming effective upon a doctor’s certification of incapacity). A well-drafted durable power of attorney ensures that someone we trust is empowered to act swiftly and confidently if the unexpected occurs.


When and How to Update Your Documents

Powers of attorney are not “set-it-and-forget-it” documents. Just like other estate planning tools, they need to be reviewed and updated as our lives and relationships change.

You should consider updating your powers of attorney if:

  • Your named agent is no longer available or the best choice

  • You've moved to another state (as laws can vary)

  • You've experienced a major life event like divorce, marriage, or the birth of a child

  • It’s been more than 3–5 years since the document was signed

To update your documents, we recommend working with an estate planning attorney to revoke the old powers and properly execute new ones. This ensures that financial institutions, medical providers, and family members have clear, current instructions.



The Peace of Mind Strong Planning Brings to Families

Creating powers of attorney is about more than just legal protection—it’s about reducing uncertainty and stress for those we love. When we proactively assign decision-making authority and communicate our wishes, we relieve our families from having to guess or argue during a crisis.

Well-prepared powers of attorney:

  • Provide legal clarity in high-stress moments

  • Minimize conflict and confusion among family members

  • Prevent delays in accessing bank accounts or authorizing treatment

  • Offer dignity and control in the face of life’s unpredictable challenges

By taking this step, we’re giving a valuable gift to our families: peace of mind and the ability to focus on care rather than red tape.


Plan Ahead with Trusted Legal Guidance

Powers of attorney are a vital part of any strong estate plan, and ensuring they’re thoughtfully drafted and legally sound can make all the difference when the time comes. At Donohue, O’Connell & Riley, we guide individuals and families through every aspect of the estate planning process—including creating and updating powers of attorney—to protect what matters most.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing existing documents, we’re here to help you plan with confidence.
Contact us today at docrlaw.com to schedule a consultation and take the next step in securing your future.



August 7, 2025

The Scoop on Irrevocable Trusts

Ice_Cream_Truck

Many clients have preconceived notions about irrevocable truststhat they can be rigid and inflexible as their name seems to imply, yet irrevocable trusts come in several distinct flavors that can be customized for very specific purposes. Below is a description of the top seven types of irrevocable trusts that we put in place for clients and the objectives for which they are used. For some clients a single scoop trust standing alone might be sufficient. For other clients, a sundae of several trusts working in parallel is appropriate to achieve their precise planning goals. Read on to learn more about irrevocable trusts and how they might be of service to your family
regardless of your net worth level. 

1. Medicaid Asset Protection Trust

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is a useful estate planning tool that can protect assets—like your home—from being included as available assets when determining Medicaid eligibility. In New Hampshire and New York, for example, if you transfer your home into a MAPT and five years pass, it’s shielded from Medicaid recovery. This means the state can’t place a lien on it or force its sale to cover long-term care costs. Think of your home as a bowl of ice cream—placing it in a MAPT is like putting it in a secure freezer: it stays protected. While you can’t dip into it directly, you can still sell the home and use the proceeds to buy another, which remains protected within the trust. Any income the trust assets generate, such as rent or interest, can still be paid to you for your enjoyment. To keep the structure valid, the trust must be managed by someone other than you—usually a trusted family member or a professional. As a bonus, assets held in the trust bypass probate entirely, allowing for a smoother and more efficient transfer to your beneficiaries. It’s a smart move for preserving both your legacy and your peace of mind.

2. Non-Grantor Trust 

Estate taxes can take a significant bite out of your legacy if your assets exceed exemption limits—and the thresholds vary widely between states. The current federal estate tax exemption is $13.9 million per individual, but states may impose their own limits: Massachusetts is $2 million, New York is $7.16 million and Connecticut is $13.85 million. If your estate exceeds these amounts, your family may be subject to steep estate taxes. Additionally, many states apply look-back periods that can affect how and when asset transfers are counted for tax purposes. That’s where a non-grantor trust comes in. When you place assets into a non-grantor trust, you’re not just shifting management—you’re removing them entirely from your taxable estate. The trust becomes a separate taxable entity, which can create income tax advantages and significantly reduce estate tax exposure. These trusts are ideal for assets you can live without but still want to protect. It’s important to be comfortable relinquishing control, because once the assets are in the trust, you can’t access or reclaim them without getting your hands sticky. With the right ingredients and careful planning, a non-grantor trust offers significant tax savings to high-net worth individuals.

3. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust

By placing your life insurance policy into an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT), it’s kept outside of your taxable estate: the death benefits your beneficiaries receive will not be subject to either state or federal estate tax. For many individuals, receiving an insurance payout could push their estate over the estate tax limit, so an ILIT is a valuable tool for keeping that payout intact for your beneficiaries. While life insurance is a key component of a broader strategy, managing it through an ILIT ensures it delivers its full value to supplement the remainder of your estate plan.

4. Charitable Trusts

A charitable trust is a lasting commitment: once it is established, the assets placed in it are legally set aside for two sets of beneficiaries: charity and individual. Charitable trusts come in many flavors. One option, a charitable lead trust, provides income to charity for a specified period up front, after which the remaining assets can be distributed to the donor’s heirs or revert to the donor. On the other hand, a charitable remainder trust works in reverse: it allows the donor (or beneficiaries) to receive income for a set period, with the remainder going to charity. These trusts can be especially valuable tools for charitably inclined individuals seeking to reduce taxable income, avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, or minimize estate taxes. Though they require legal guidance to set up, charitable trusts tend to be more cost-effective than private foundations for long-term giving. Much like sharing that special sweet treat, these trusts leave you with a sense of fulfilment and lasting impact for causes you care about.

5. Spousal Lifetime Access Trust 

A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) is a useful estate planning tool that allows one spouse to transfer assets to an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the other, removing those assets from his or her taxable estate while still preserving some indirect access. It’s particularly valuable for those who want to take advantage of the current elevated gift tax exemption and also for those looking to avoid those federal and state estate tax thresholds. A SLAT offers a mix of immediate flexibility and long-term benefits. It helps reduce estate taxes by keeping future asset growth outside both spouses’ estates, while also offering protection from creditors’ claims. Although the donor gives up direct control, certain planning tools, such as trust loans or discretionary distributions to the beneficiary spouse or children, provide practical access to the funds. With careful structuring, a SLAT becomes a powerful tool in a comprehensive wealth transfer and asset protection strategy.

6. Special Needs Trust 

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is an estate planning tool designed to support individuals who rely on government assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which have strict income and asset limits. An SNT allows a person to receive financial support or an inheritance without jeopardizing eligibility for these essential benefits. For example, parents can establish an SNT for a child, placing the inheritance in the trust so the child remains eligible for aid. Think of it like a perfect scoop of cookie dough ice cream—where the vanilla base represents the steady, reliable support of the trust, and the cookie dough chunks symbolize the added flexibility for expenses like entertainment and personal needs. An SNT requires careful management to ensure the funds are used appropriately. The trust cannot cover basic living costs like healthcare, food or housing and direct cash payments to the beneficiary are not allowed. Because of these rules, creating an SNT involves thoughtful planning around how funds will be used to support the beneficiary’s quality of life. 

7. Special Purpose Trust

A Special Purpose Trust is an estate planning tool designed to accomplish specific goals—like preserving a cherished family vacation home, caring for a beloved pet, or providing for an impoverished family member—by ensuring these assets or intentions are handled with long-term stability. While these trusts aren’t always the default choice, they’re incredibly effective when aligned with a clear objective, such as safeguarding a family legacy or securing future stability for a loved one. When done right, a Special Purpose Trust offers lasting peace of mind and ensures your specific wishes are honored without unnecessary legal obstacles.

July 24, 2025

Estate Planning, Digital Assets

Planning for Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan

Digital

In today’s connected world, our lives are increasingly managed through online platforms—bank accounts, photo libraries, investment apps, social media, and even loyalty programs. Yet when it comes to estate planning, digital assets are often overlooked. If we don’t plan ahead, our loved ones may be left without access to important accounts or treasured memories, and our digital legacy may be mismanaged or lost entirely.

Estate planning isn’t just about physical assets anymore. As technology continues to play a larger role in our personal and financial lives, it’s essential that we incorporate digital property into our estate plans. Whether you’re organizing family photos stored in the cloud, managing online investment portfolios, or running a small business through an e-commerce platform, protecting these assets helps ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones aren’t burdened with digital uncertainty.

Let’s walk through what digital assets are, why they matter, and how to include them in your comprehensive estate plan.



What Digital Assets Are and Why They Matter

Digital assets include any online accounts, digital files, or electronic property that hold personal, sentimental, or financial value. This can range from the obvious—like bank account logins and email accounts—to the unexpected, such as domain names, subscription services, or cryptocurrency wallets.

Common types of digital assets include:

  • Financial accounts: online banking, investment apps, digital payment services like PayPal or Venmo

  • Personal data and media: email accounts, cloud storage, photo and video libraries

  • Business-related platforms: e-commerce sites, client databases, intellectual property

  • Social media profiles: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others

  • Cryptocurrency and NFTs: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets

These assets can carry financial weight, sentimental importance, or critical utility for managing ongoing business or household affairs. Without a clear plan, access to these accounts can become legally complicated or even permanently lost.



How to Create a Digital Asset Inventory

The first step in protecting your digital estate is knowing what you have. Creating an up-to-date inventory of your digital assets helps your executor or loved ones identify, locate, and manage them according to your wishes.

To get started, we recommend:

  1. List all your digital accounts and assets.
    Include everything from online banking to cloud-based photo albums, cryptocurrency wallets, and recurring subscription services.

  2. Record how to access them.
    Note usernames, passwords (or where passwords are stored), two-factor authentication requirements, and any necessary devices or apps.

  3. Clarify what you want done with each asset.
    Do you want a photo archive preserved? Should your social media accounts be memorialized or deleted? Should digital business assets be transferred to a successor?

  4. Keep the inventory secure and updated.
    Store your list in a safe location—whether with your estate planning attorney, in a secure digital vault, or in an encrypted file—and review it regularly to keep it current.

Having a digital asset inventory not only simplifies things for your loved ones but also reduces the risk of identity theft, lost funds, or overlooked subscriptions continuing to charge your estate.


Legal Tools for Managing Digital Property

Digital assets are often protected by privacy laws and terms of service agreements, which can make it challenging for loved ones to access accounts—even with the best of intentions. Fortunately, there are legal tools available to help you grant the necessary permissions and avoid complications.

Two of the most important tools include:

  • Incorporating digital assets in your will or trust. Clearly outline how digital property should be handled, including who should access or manage specific accounts.

  • Using the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA). Adopted by most states, this law allows you to grant fiduciaries legal authority over your digital property, provided you specify your wishes through proper documentation.

Including digital provisions in your estate planning documents helps avoid the risk of account lockout, legal disputes, and lost data. It also signals to your digital service providers that your appointed representatives have lawful access.



Appointing a Digital Executor or Authorized Agent

Just as you appoint an executor for your estate, you can name someone specifically responsible for handling your digital assets. This person—often called a digital executor or authorized agent—should be someone you trust to manage sensitive information and carry out your wishes accurately.

When selecting this person, consider the following:

  • Their comfort with technology. Are they capable of managing online accounts and understanding digital platforms?

  • Their relationship to your estate. Will they be able to work cooperatively with your executor or trustee?

  • Your preferences for digital legacy. Do you want someone who understands the personal value of certain content (like family photos or social media posts) or the business value of digital property?

Once chosen, make sure your digital executor is named in your estate planning documents and that they have access to your digital asset inventory.



Ensuring Access and Security for Loved Ones

Digital planning isn’t just about creating a list and naming a representative—it’s also about ensuring your loved ones can securely access what you’ve left behind. Striking the balance between security and accessibility is key.

Here are a few best practices:

  • Use a password manager or digital vault. These tools allow you to store login credentials and encryption keys securely, and many offer legacy access features for trusted contacts.

  • Avoid putting passwords directly in your will. Wills become public documents during probate, which could expose sensitive information.

  • Leave clear instructions. Provide guidance on where digital records are stored and how to navigate any security measures (like two-factor authentication).

By preparing now, you reduce the chances of digital confusion and protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress or complications.



Leave No Digital Asset Behind

In today’s digital-first world, estate planning isn’t complete without accounting for our online presence and electronic property. Whether you’re safeguarding financial accounts, preserving family memories, or passing along a digital business, thoughtful planning makes a lasting difference.

At Donohue, O’Connell & Riley, we help individuals and families integrate digital assets into their estate plans with confidence and clarity. If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to <a href="/contact-us/">contact us</a> today to schedule a consultation. Let’s ensure nothing is left behind—online or off.



June 26, 2025

Asset Protection, Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples

Unmarried_Couple

As more couples choose to build lives together without getting married, estate planning becomes an essential tool for protecting their rights and wishes. Unlike married spouses, unmarried partners don’t automatically inherit from each other or gain authority in legal or medical decisions without specific documents in place. This can leave even the most committed partners vulnerable in times of crisis.

Estate planning for unmarried couples requires proactive steps and thoughtful documentation to ensure your partner is protected—both legally and financially. Whether you’re sharing a home, finances, or a life together, creating a personalized plan helps provide clarity, continuity, and peace of mind.



Legal Challenges Faced by Unmarried Partners

Without the legal benefits of marriage, unmarried couples face several unique hurdles:

  • No automatic inheritance rights – If one partner passes away without a will or trust, the surviving partner generally has no legal claim to the estate.

  • Limited authority in emergencies – Without legal documentation, partners may be denied access to make healthcare or financial decisions on each other’s behalf.

  • Family disputes – In the absence of an estate plan, family members may contest your partner’s rights to assets or even shared property.

  • Tax implications – Unmarried partners may face higher tax burdens or miss out on spousal tax exemptions.

Planning ahead with the right legal tools can help you overcome these challenges and ensure your wishes are honored.



Using Wills and Trusts to Protect Each Other

One of the most effective ways to secure your partner’s future is through clearly drafted wills and trusts. These documents spell out your intentions and create legal authority that overrides default state laws.

Wills
A will allows you to:

  • Name your partner as a beneficiary of your estate

  • Designate an executor you trust to handle your affairs

  • Appoint a guardian if you share children

Trusts
A trust can offer added protection and privacy. Benefits include:

  • Avoiding probate and the associated delays

  • Providing long-term management of assets for your partner

  • Reducing estate tax exposure in some cases

By including your partner in these essential documents, you provide both legal authority and emotional reassurance.


Health Care and Financial Decision-Making Authority

In emergency situations, having clear legal authority to make decisions on your partner’s behalf is critical. Unfortunately, unmarried couples do not automatically have this right without documented permission.

Key documents to include in your estate plan:

  • Health Care Proxy – Appoints your partner to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated.

  • Living Will – Details your preferences for end-of-life care, giving your partner guidance and peace of mind.

  • Durable Power of Attorney – Allows your partner to manage your finances, pay bills, and handle transactions if you become unable to do so.

Putting these documents in place ensures your partner can act on your behalf when it matters most, without unnecessary delays or legal barriers.



Beneficiary Designations Outside of Marriage

Many assets pass directly to a named beneficiary and are not governed by a will or trust. For unmarried couples, making intentional beneficiary choices is vital.

Common assets with beneficiary designations include:

  • Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)

  • Life insurance policies

  • Bank accounts with payable-on-death (POD) designations

  • Investment accounts with transfer-on-death (TOD) designations

Make sure these designations are up to date and accurately reflect your wishes. In the absence of marriage, failing to name your partner can result in those assets being distributed to next of kin instead.



Planning for Shared Assets and Property

If you and your partner own property together or have shared financial responsibilities, it’s essential to plan for how those assets will be handled.

Consider the following strategies:

  • Joint ownership with rights of survivorship – Ensures that property automatically passes to your partner upon death.

  • Cohabitation agreements – Document financial arrangements, ownership percentages, and what happens if the relationship ends or one partner passes away.

  • Trusts – Provide additional control over how property is distributed, especially if children or other beneficiaries are involved.

By clearly outlining how shared assets are to be managed, you reduce the risk of future disputes and help protect the life you’ve built together.



Build a Plan That Reflects Your Commitment

Estate planning for unmarried couples is not just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your shared life and honoring the commitments you’ve made to each other. Taking proactive steps ensures that your partner is recognized and empowered, even when the law doesn’t automatically offer that protection.

At Donohue, O’Connell & Riley, we help couples of all kinds create thoughtful, customized estate plans that reflect their values and relationships. If you’re ready to safeguard your future together, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. <br>
<a href="/contact-us/">Contact us</a> to schedule a consultation and get started.



June 12, 2025

estate administration, Estate Planning, Inheriting Property

What to Know About Inheriting Property

New_Home

When a loved one passes away, inheriting property can be both a financial opportunity and a legal responsibility. Whether it’s a family home, a vacation property, or a valuable piece of real estate, the process of transferring ownership comes with important considerations. Understanding the legal steps, tax implications, and available options can help heirs make informed decisions about their inheritance. Proper planning and communication can also help prevent disputes and ensure a smooth transition of assets.

The Legal Process of Transferring Inherited Property

Before you can take full ownership of inherited property, it must go through a legal transfer process. The steps vary depending on how the property was owned and whether the deceased had an estate plan in place:

  • Probate: If the property was solely owned by the deceased and not placed in a trust, it will likely go through probate. This court-supervised process validates the will (if one exists) and ensures assets are distributed according to the deceased’s wishes. If there is no will, state intestacy laws will determine the rightful heirs.

  • Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship: If the deceased co-owned the property with another person (such as a spouse) under a joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety, the surviving owner typically receives full ownership automatically.

  • Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed: Some states allow property owners to name a beneficiary in a TOD deed, which allows the property to bypass probate and transfer directly to the named individual.

  • Living Trusts: If the property was placed in a revocable trust, ownership can transfer directly to the designated beneficiaries without going through probate, streamlining the process.

Understanding how the property was titled and the estate planning tools used can determine how quickly and smoothly ownership is transferred.

Tax Implications of Inherited Real Estate and Other Assets

Inheriting property may come with potential tax responsibilities, so it’s important to understand what to expect:

  • Step-Up in Basis: When real estate is inherited, its value is typically adjusted to the current market value at the time of the owner’s death. This "step-up in basis" can significantly reduce capital gains taxes if the property is later sold.

  • Estate Taxes: While most estates do not owe federal estate taxes due to high exemption thresholds, some states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes. Beneficiaries should be aware of any potential state tax obligations.

  • Property Taxes: Inherited real estate may trigger a reassessment of property taxes, depending on local laws. Some states allow exemptions for transfers between family members, but others may increase property tax rates upon inheritance.

  • Capital Gains Taxes: If an heir decides to sell the inherited property, capital gains tax may apply based on the difference between the stepped-up value and the final sale price. Proper planning can help minimize tax burdens when deciding whether to sell, keep, or transfer the property.

By understanding the tax implications of inherited assets, heirs can make informed choices that align with their financial goals.

Options for Keeping, Selling, or Gifting Inherited Property

Once ownership is legally transferred, heirs must decide what to do with the inherited property. Several options are available, each with different financial and personal considerations:

  • Keeping the Property: If the home has sentimental or practical value, keeping it may be the right choice. However, heirs should evaluate property maintenance costs, taxes, and whether it aligns with their long-term financial plans.

  • Selling the Property: Many heirs opt to sell inherited real estate, especially if they do not wish to manage it or if multiple heirs cannot agree on its use. Selling the property can provide liquid assets, but heirs should be mindful of capital gains taxes and any market conditions that may affect sale prices.

  • Renting the Property: For those who wish to keep the property while generating income, renting can be a viable option. However, managing tenants and maintaining the home requires commitment and financial investment.

  • Gifting the Property: Heirs may also choose to gift the property to a family member or donate it to a charitable organization. This can have tax benefits, but it’s important to consult an estate planning professional to structure the gift effectively.

Weighing these options carefully can help heirs determine the best course of action for their inherited real estate.

How to Prevent Disputes Among Heirs

Inherited property is often a source of emotional and financial value, which can sometimes lead to family disputes. Clear communication and legal planning can help prevent conflicts among heirs. Consider these strategies:

  • Create a Comprehensive Estate Plan: Property owners should work with an estate planning attorney to draft a clear will or trust that specifies how the property should be handled.

  • Use a Trust to Designate Ownership: Placing real estate in a trust allows the owner to outline precise instructions for distribution, reducing the likelihood of disputes.

  • Encourage Family Discussions in Advance: Open conversations about estate plans can set expectations and address concerns before a property transfer occurs.

  • Appoint an Executor or Trustee: A neutral third party can oversee the estate administration and ensure that the property is distributed fairly according to legal documents.

  • Consider Buyout or Equalization Strategies: If multiple heirs inherit a property, one heir may buy out the others, or other assets can be distributed to balance the value.

Taking proactive steps can help families avoid unnecessary conflict and ensure that the inheritance process is smooth and fair.

The Role of Trusts in Property Inheritance

Trusts can be powerful estate planning tools for managing and transferring inherited property. They provide flexibility, tax advantages, and protection from legal complications. Here’s how they can help:

  • Avoiding Probate: Property placed in a trust bypasses the probate process, allowing for a quicker and more private transfer to beneficiaries.

  • Providing Asset Protection: Certain types of trusts can protect inherited property from creditors, lawsuits, or divorce settlements.

  • Setting Conditions for Inheritance: Trusts allow owners to establish conditions for how and when beneficiaries can access the property, which is particularly useful for young or financially inexperienced heirs.

  • Reducing Tax Liabilities: Trusts may offer strategies to minimize estate taxes and ensure that property is passed down with minimal financial burden.

  • Ensuring Long-Term Management: If a property is to be maintained over generations, a trust can appoint a trustee to oversee its care and distribution.

For many families, establishing a trust is the best way to safeguard inherited property and ensure a smooth transition across generations.

Planning Ahead for a Seamless Property Inheritance

Inheriting property can be a complex process, but with proper planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding the legal transfer process, tax implications, and available options can help heirs make informed decisions that align with their financial and personal goals. Taking proactive steps—such as setting up a trust, discussing estate plans with family, and working with an experienced estate planning attorney—can prevent disputes and create a clear path for future generations.

If you or your loved ones are navigating inherited property or looking to put a solid estate plan in place, we are here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the estate planning process, ensuring your assets are protected and your wishes are honored. Contact us today to start securing your family’s financial future.



May 22, 2025