 There are many reasons why people create an estate plan or to seek an attorney to establish a trust or write a will, including: - Transferring property or a business to the next generation
- Protecting minor children by providing for their financial needs and naming a guardian
- Avoiding the cost and time of probate
- Minimizing the impact of estate taxes
Certainly, one significant benefit of working with an experienced estate planning lawyer when preparing your estate plan is the opportunity to avoid family conflicts that can arise when a will or trust is unclear or contested. Contesting a will or taking a trust to court is costly and can quickly bankrupt an estate. A properly prepared living trust or will—one that is accurate, detailed, complete, and personalized specifically for you and your family—prevents these problems. Contact my Crown Point law office to learn more about how I can help you protect and provide for your loved ones with a trust, living trust, power of attorney, will or pour-over will, and advance health care directive "living will." Elder Law in IndianaAging is not unexpected, and yet few people plan for the challenges that can come along with getting older. Early planning can help to ease the worry and fear an elder may experience when anticipating of a time of diminished physical and mental capacity. Having your affairs in order can bring greater peace of mind. Too often, people put off talking with an elder law attorney because they fear hurting an elder parent's feelings. Please don't allow your concerns to cause you to delay important decision-making. It is always best to talk with a lawyer while the elder person is competent to make his or her own decisions. I am an elder law attorney with more than 40 years of experience working with elders and their adult children to arrange estate plans and shared decision-making. I am sensitive to the issues you are facing, and can I help you arrive at a plan that meets your family's goals. Ask me about: - Medicaid planning for nursing home care: to ensure that your parent meets Medicaid spend-down requirements and to protect assets for a healthy spouse remaining at home
- Financial powers of attorney: to designate someone to make financial decisions on behalf of an elder who can no longer manage financial or business affairs
- Advance health care directives: (including "living wills" and health care powers of attorney) to designate a medical decision maker should an elder become incapable of making medical decisions, and to communicate their wishes regarding medical treatment
I also assist families who must seek guardianship over an elder who can no longer handle daily living and decision-making. Contact my law office for prompt assistance. Law Offices of Herman Barber, P.C.10200 Broadway
Crown Point, IN 46307-4063
Telephone: (219) 663-7400 ● Fax: (219) 663-7488
Map and Directions ● E-Mail MeNorthwestern Indiana estate planning attorney Herman Barber helps clients with estate planning and probate in Lake County, Porter County, Jasper County, and Newton County, Indiana, and the greater Gary metropolitan area, including Crown Point, Merrillville, Hobart, Hebron, Schererville, Lake Station, Highland, Kouts, Cedar Lake, Lowell, and Hammond.
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