Washington, DC Estate Planning Attorney

Thoughtful estate planning is essential to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are fulfilled if you become incapacitated or pass away. However, estate planning involves complex legal and financial considerations. Having an experienced estate planning attorney in Washington on your side can provide invaluable guidance.

What Are the Benefits of Working with a Washington, DC Estate Planning Attorney?

• Asset Protection: An attorney can help structure your estate plan to lawfully minimize taxes and shield assets from potential creditors or lawsuits.
• Legacy Preservation: They can help ensure your estate plan carries out your wishes and legacy for distributing assets to your chosen heirs and beneficiaries.
• Incapacity Planning: If you become incapacitated, your attorney can set up arrangements like powers of attorney and living wills to guide medical and financial decisions. 
• Probate Avoidance: Where appropriate, they may incorporate trusts and other tools to help avoid the time-consuming, expensive and public probate process.

What Does a Washington, DC Estate Planning Attorney Do?

A dedicated estate planning attorney can provide a range of services, including:

• Reviewing your current assets and financial situation 
• Strategizing on approaches to legitimately reduce tax liability
• Drafting customized documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives
• Advising on the optimal ownership structures for assets like real estate, business interests, and intellectual property
• Assisting with completing and filing the necessary estate planning documents 
• Acting as counsel throughout the administration of your estate after your passing

Contact a Washington, DC Estate Planning Attorney 

Don’t leave the fate of your hard-earned assets to chance. Partnering with an experienced Washington estate planning attorney provides the strategic counsel and expertise to protect your legacy. Contact The Bloom Group today to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

1. What are the main estate planning documents I need? Key documents generally include a last will and testament, durable powers of attorney, advanced health care directives, and trusts. An attorney can advise you on the specific documents ideal for your goals.

2. How often should I update my estate plan? It's generally best to review your estate plan every 2-3 years or whenever a major life event occurs, like a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Your attorney can determine if updates are warranted.

3. What happens if I don't have an estate plan when I pass away? With no estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of Washington, DC, which may not align with your wishes. This can also increase family disputes which you will most likely want to avoid.