Estates and Probate

Estate Planning

At the Law Office of Burch & Clarke, we can help plan for you and your family’s future through the preparation of a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and a Living Will.  Every adult, no matter their economic status, should have a Will or other ways to control their assets.  In addition, every person needs a way to control their estate if they become disabled or are unable to make healthcare or financial decisions for themselves.  The following is a list of estate planning services that we provide:

• Will: The actual Last Will and Testament of the client is a stand alone document which provides for the distribution of personal property, both real and personal, in a manner which carries out the intent of the decedent. The Will can also appoint personal representatives for probate, trustees for trusts and guardians for minor children.
• Durable Power of Attorney: This document grants to a third person the authority to administer the assets of a person who, because of either physical or mental illness, can no longer administer his or her own assets.
• Special Medical Power of Attorney: This document provides for the care of a person during a medical crisis when the individual is unable to make medical care decisions on their own. This power does not deal with financial matters, only with heath care matters.
• Living Will: A Living Will instructs physicians whether the client wants heroic life support measures to artificially prolong life when the client has reached a state of terminal illness with no probability of recovery.

Probate

Probate is the court procedure by which a decedent’s estate is administered. Creditors of the estate are provided the opportunity to file claims against the estate and receive payment of those claims. After the administration fees, taxes and creditor claims are paid, any remaining assets of the estate are distributed to the beneficiaries.  The probate process is set forth to sort out the transfer of a person’s assets upon death.  The Law Offices of Burch & Clarke will personally help you navigate the probate system for efficient distribution of the decedent’s assets. 

If you need estate planning or probate assistance, contact the Law Offices of Burch & Clarke for professional representation.  We help make the process easier for you, your family, and your loved ones.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.