Estate Planning
A plan for your property,
your care, and your family.
A coordinated estate plan can address incapacity, financial authority, medical decisions, guardianship preferences, asset management, and the transfer of property.
More than a will
An estate plan is also designed for the years you are alive.
Planning for incapacity can be just as important as planning for death. Proper documents can authorize trusted people to assist with finances, health care, and other personal decisions if you cannot act for yourself.
We work with clients to identify the people, protections, and distribution instructions that should be part of a coordinated plan.
Common planning documents
Documents are selected according to the plan, not from a universal checklist.
Trusts and wills
Revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, standalone wills, and specialized trust provisions for beneficiaries and property.
Financial authority
Durable financial powers of attorney and related authorizations for property, accounts, taxes, benefits, and business matters.
Health-care planning
Health care powers of attorney, living wills, mental health care powers of attorney, and HIPAA authorizations.
Family protections
Guardian nominations, planning for minor children, special-needs considerations, and structured distributions.
Asset coordination
Review of deeds, beneficiary designations, account ownership, business interests, and trust funding needs.
Legacy instructions
Charitable gifts, pet planning, personal property directions, business succession, and long-term beneficiary protections.
Our process
From information gathering to a plan you understand.
- Initial consultationDiscuss goals, family, assets, concerns, and existing documents.
- Plan designIdentify the legal documents and asset coordination appropriate for your circumstances.
- Review and signingExplain the documents, answer questions, and complete proper execution.
- ImplementationAddress trust funding, beneficiary designations, and recommended follow-up.
Estate Planning FAQ
Common questions
These answers are general. The effect of a document depends on its language, execution, asset ownership, and applicable law.
See the complete FAQ →Do I need an estate plan if I am not wealthy?
Estate planning is not limited to large estates. It can name trusted decision-makers, provide health-care instructions, nominate guardians, reduce uncertainty, and direct how property should be handled.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will generally directs property passing through the probate estate and can nominate a personal representative and guardians. A trust can hold and manage property during life and after death. The appropriate combination depends on your assets and goals.
Does a trust automatically avoid probate?
Only assets properly transferred to the trust or otherwise coordinated with the plan are generally governed by it. Assets left outside the trust may still require another transfer process.
How often should an estate plan be reviewed?
Review it after major life, family, financial, or legal changes and periodically even when nothing obvious has changed. A review can confirm that decision-makers, beneficiaries, and asset ownership still match your intentions.
Can a revocable trust be changed?
Generally, a person with legal capacity may amend or revoke a revocable trust according to its terms. Irrevocable trusts follow different rules and should be reviewed individually.
Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Many trust-based plans also include a pour-over will to address assets not transferred to the trust and to handle matters such as guardian nominations.
The Reidhead Law Group
Build a plan around your actual life
Bring your questions, existing documents, and concerns. Our office will help organize the next steps.