Wills & Trusts

If you are unsure what type of will or trust you need, call the Law Offices of Sam K. Eck for a free initial consultation. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and experience to provide you with answers and direction. View a couple of options below to get a better picture of what you, your family, or business may need. Multiple options may be suitable for you, in which case, our estate planning attorneys will walk you through each process step by step.

How It Works

Each of the options below will require you to meet with our attorneys to discuss personal matters. During this process, we will be able to guide you through each decision, assuring your assets, health, family, and business are all taken care of the way you wish.

Last Will

Last wills are best suited for people who want to distribute property to loved ones and name guardians for minor children. Without a last will, the court will make these decisions for you. Keep in mind, last wills are not private; they are probated in court and become a matter of public record. This is also the only option of the four that generally requires some form of probate court involvement. Wills allow you to:

-Specify funeral, burial, cremation, and other last wishes/expenses

-Appoint guardianship of minor children

-Distribute property to beneficiaries

Living Trust

In a living trust, unlike a last will, property is not usually subject to probate law, which typically requires more time and money. It is also private and does not typically require court supervision. Living Trusts:

-Help avoid the cost and delays of probate court

-May reduce certain estate taxes

-Keep the details of your estate private

Health Care Directive
(Living Will)

A health care directive lets you specify healthcare decisions in advance, such as whether to remain on life support. The details of a health care directive are kept between you, your family and your physician. A health care directive allows you to:

-Make decisions about life support in advance

-Specify whether or not to administer food and water

A living will does not establish guardianship.

Powers
of
Attorney

A power of attorney is allows people to appoint someone to make key financial and/or medical decisions on their behalf. A financial power of attorney allows someone to handle as many or as few legal or financial areas as you wish including banking, insurance, real estate, etc. A financial power of attorney can become effective immediately or upon your disability.?? A medical power of attorney allows someone to handle your medical decisions for you when you cannot make your own except to override your health care directive.?? A power of attorney can be revised or revoked at any time.