Practice area
Wills, trusts and the papers that go with them
A plan says who gets what, who is in charge, and who speaks for you if you can’t.
Most plans we write fit on a few dozen pages and take two meetings. At the first, we listen: who is in your family, what you own, and what worries you. At the second, you sign, with witnesses and a notary in the room.
We write in plain words, so your family can read the plan without us.
Plans we often write for
Couples and single people
Second marriages and blended families
A child or grandchild with a disability
A cabin, a farm or a small business
The four papers in most plans
Not every plan needs all four. We’ll tell you which ones yours does, and why.
A will for what you own
Names who receives your things and who handles the estate. For parents of young children, it names a guardian too.
A revocable trust
Holds the house, the cabin or the accounts, so they can pass without probate. Useful for property in more than one state.
Power of attorney for money
Lets someone you choose pay bills, file taxes and deal with the bank if you can’t.
Health care directive and agent
Names who speaks with your doctors, and writes down the care you would and wouldn’t want.
What people ask about wills and trusts
Is a will enough, or do I need a trust too?
Many families need only a will and the two powers of attorney. A trust helps when you own land in another state, want to keep the estate private, or want help managing money for an heir. We’ll say which fits at the first meeting.
What papers help at the first meeting?
A list of what you own and roughly what it’s worth, any old wills or trusts, and the names of the people you’d like to put in charge. If you don’t have a list, bring statements; we’ll make one together.
When should we look at the plan again?
Look at it after a marriage, a divorce, a death, a move or a large change in what you own. Otherwise, a quick review every five years or so is enough.
Write the plan in two meetings
The first meeting is for questions and listening. You’ll get a written quote before any drafting starts.