Estate Planning (Wills, Health Care Directives & Powers of Attorney)
Estate planning is the process of creating documents to make your wishes known regarding your assets (bank accounts, brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, etc.) when you die.  It’s also the process of deciding who will care for your children if you die while your children are under age 18.

Estate taxes are also an issue that can be addressed by proper estate planning.  Estate taxes are owed if a person dies owning assets over a certain dollar (exemption) amount.  In 2005, estates exceeding $1,500,000 face payment of the federal estate tax.  In 2006, estates exceeding the exemption amount of $2,000,000 face payment of the tax.  Although many people think that these taxes may not apply to them, if they add up the value of their home, cabin, retirement plans, life insurance and all of their other assets, they may be surprised by the total value.

A Health Care Directive gives your spouse, adult child, other relative, trusted friend or domestic partner the authority to take care of health care matters on your behalf if you become mentally or physically unable to do so.  A Health Care Directive will make your wishes clear to your family, health care providers and the courts.

A Power of Attorney, sometimes called a Financial Power of Attorney, gives your spouse, adult child, other relative, trusted friend or domestic partner the authority to take care of legal and financial matters on your behalf if you become mentally or physically unable to do so.

Steve prepares these documents for married couples, single people and domestic partners.  Fees are billed on a flat rate basis.  A retainer agreement usually is not required.