About

What’s unique about our firm and the estate planning services we provide is our philosophy. It is this philosophy that enables us to guide clients in making informed and intelligent estate planning decisions for themselves and their families; to personalize every client’s plan according to their needs, fears, concerns, dreams and aspirations; to develop a relationship of trust and confidence with them, and to support them both short and long term in every phase of their estate planning process. It is because of this philosophy that we are able to make a commitment to our clients to provide each of them estate planning services that exceed that which they can obtain elsewhere.

Our Service Philosophy

We believe that estate planning should never be approached in a robotic, assembly line fashion. Every individual, couple and family has some unique circumstances or personal goals, dreams, fears and concerns that must be understood and then addressed for the estate plan to fit their needs.

An Ongoing Process

Our philosophy is that estate planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Very seldom does a client’s family and financial situation remain the same year after year. Just as one’s physical well-being requires checkups periodically, estate planning should be reviewed and reevaluated as time passes or circumstances change. When we meet our clients for the first time to discuss estate planning issues, we consider that to be just the beginning of a long term relationship.

Our Roles: Educator, Counselor and Attorney

To address each of the vital aspects of estate planning, there are three roles we strive to fulfill for each of our clients – those of educator, counselor and attorney.

Educating and Informing

As an educator, we attempt to educate and inform all clients of what they and their families are up against in the probate process, estate taxes, Murphy’s law when they rely on joint tenancy property ownership, previous or subsequent marriages in their family, procrastination of their planning, life insurance distributions to a spouse or children, State law distribution patterns, etc. It is only through at least a little education that an informed and intelligent decision can be made on any subject.

Counseling – Where the True Professional Earns his Fee

Unfortunately, education or knowledge is not sufficient on its own. A second step for good estate planning is where the true professional earns his or her fee. That second step is counseling – the process of examining and diagnosing each client’s real needs and desires and how they can be fulfilled. Counseling (when done properly) is a “tough love” exchange. Hard and sometimes personal questions must be asked and answered. There has to be a confidential sharing and openness between attorney and client in order that the right advice can be provided and a beneficial, long-term relationship developed.

The Attorney Role: Precise Drafting of Estate Planning Documents

The drafting of documents by the attorney during the estate planning process is similar to surgery a doctor might perform or prescription given to the patient as well as postoperative care and follow-up as necessary to assure no complications arise. The attorney role of estate planning is the precise drafting of a variety of estate planning documents in a manner that not only fulfills the personal needs and desires of the client, but also satisfies the legal complexities of probate and the IRS. The postoperative attorney phase includes: follow-up assistance for transferring assets to the client’s trust, availability to answer questions or provide reassurances, and willingness to give additional guidance after the estate plan is drafted. This phase can be just as crucial as the drafting and can sometimes be the difference between an estate plan that works and one that doesn’t.
In the medical field, surgery can be successfully performed, only for the patient to die afterward from complications away from the doctor or hospital. The same is true with clients and estate planning – if there is no long term relationship or follow-up services.

We are dedicated to providing quality estate planning resources, so you can become familiar with all of your available options. When you visit or call our firm, we want you to feel comfortable discussing such an important issue concerning both you and your family. We want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your family’s future. Our knowledgeable attorneys are available to assist you. Contact us today.