FOUNDATIONAL ESTATE PLANNING

At Burkhalter Law, our attorneys help individuals and families establish the essential building blocks of a sound estate plan. From wills and powers of attorney to trusts, we guide you through the process with clarity and care. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to create a plan that protects what matters most.

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FOUNDATIONAL ESTATE PLANNING

Trust + Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of organizing your legal and financial affairs to ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes—both during your life and after. We design comprehensive plans that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, all tailored to your personal needs.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Clear distribution of your assets

  • Avoidance of probate and unnecessary legal delays

  • Protection for children, spouses, and vulnerable beneficiaries

  • Control over your healthcare and financial decisions if incapacitated

Wills

A Last Will and Testament is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It allows you to specify who will inherit your assets, who will care for your children, and who will carry out your instructions. Without a valid will, state law will determine these decisions—often in ways you wouldn’t choose.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Legal control over asset distribution

  • Guardian appointment for minor children

  • Minimized family disputes

  • Coordination with trusts for enhanced flexibility

Administering Trusts

Trust administration involves carrying out the instructions in a trust document, usually after the trust’s creator has passed away or become incapacitated. Trustees are legally responsible for managing trust assets and distributing them properly. We assist trustees in meeting their fiduciary duties and avoiding personal liability.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Valuing and managing trust assets

  • Notifying beneficiaries and coordinating distributions

  • Preparing accountings and tax filings

  • Navigating state-specific legal requirements

Serving as Trust Protector

A trust protector provides ongoing oversight for a trust, with the authority to intervene if circumstances change. This role offers flexibility and peace of mind, especially in long-term trusts or complex family situations.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Monitoring the trustee’s actions

  • Making modifications in response to legal or personal changes

  • Resolving beneficiary disputes

  • Ensuring the trust stays true to the grantor’s intent

Incapacity + Disability Planning

No one plans to become incapacitated—but being unprepared can create stress, confusion, and costly court proceedings. Our disability planning services ensure that someone you trust can manage your healthcare and finances if you are unable to do so.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Durable powers of attorney for financial and legal matters

  • Advance healthcare directives and living wills

  • HIPAA authorizations for medical access

  • Avoidance of guardianship or conservatorship proceedings

Power of Attorney (Business & Personal)

A power of attorney grants someone legal authority to act on your behalf. Whether for business or personal affairs, having this document in place ensures continuity and control when you are unavailable or incapacitated.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Managing finances and real estate during travel or illness

  • Avoiding court intervention in emergencies

  • Choosing a trusted agent to handle important matters

  • Customization for temporary or long-term authority

Non-Probate Asset Transfers

Not all assets pass through a will or trust. Many accounts and property types transfer directly to named beneficiaries without going through probate. We help ensure these assets are properly transferred and coordinated with your overall estate plan.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Life insurance, retirement accounts, and joint ownership transfers

  • Reviewing and updating beneficiary designations

  • Aligning non-probate and probate planning

  • Assisting beneficiaries with post-death transfers

Advanced Healthcare Directives

Advanced healthcare directives let you communicate your medical care preferences in case you’re unable to speak for yourself. These legal documents are critical for ensuring your wishes are respected and reducing the burden on loved ones.

Key Benefits and Services:

  • Living wills for life-sustaining treatment preferences

  • Healthcare powers of attorney to appoint decision-makers

  • Clear guidance for doctors and family members

  • Protection of your dignity and autonomy

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Schedule a complimentary consultation today and find the advisor for your planning needs.

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