Estate planning is the process of organizing your personal, financial, and healthcare wishes so they’re honored during your lifetime and after your passing. It typically includes documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

An estate plan protects your loved ones, ensures your wishes are carried out, and helps avoid unnecessary court costs, delays, and family conflict. It also gives you control over healthcare and financial decisions if you become unable to manage them yourself.

While online forms exist, an attorney ensures your documents comply with state law, reflect your unique goals, and are properly drafted and executed to avoid costly mistakes.

Most estate plans include a will, a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, a living will or advance directive, and—in some cases—a trust. Your attorney will help you determine what fits your situation.

A trust is a legal tool that allows you to manage and distribute assets during your life and after death, often without probate. You may benefit from a trust if you want privacy, have minor children, own property in multiple states, or want to protect assets.

You should review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant financial change, or moving to a new state.

If you pass away without a will, state law determines who receives your assets. This may not reflect your wishes and can create delays or disputes among family members.

Yes. Through powers of attorney and healthcare directives, you can appoint trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf.

Most estate plans can be completed within a few weeks, depending on complexity and your readiness to make decisions. Your attorney will guide you through each step to keep the process smooth.

Costs vary depending on the planning tools you need and the complexity of your estate. Many firms offer flat-fee options or packages. A consultation can help you understand what’s appropriate for your situation.

Estate Administration fees are charged on an hourly basis. The total cost can vary based on factors such as asset type and value, the number of beneficiaries, and the location of the deceased’s assets. Outstanding debts of the deceased may also impact the overall cost.