Estate planning can cover a wide range of issues, from a simple will, to complex use of trusts to deal with large estates.  At DeLeonardo, Smith & Associates, we have unfortunately seen the terrible consequences when someone dies without having conducted proper estate planning.  The Firm knows the importance of proper planning in avoiding litigation or other serious unintended and unexpected consequences. That is why the Firm is committed to counseling its clients so that they can proactively plan their affairs so their loved ones do not find themselves in this situation.

The Firm works with clients who wish to ensure their affairs will be handled, and their families provided for, the way they desire if they are no longer able to make those decisions through the use various estate planning tools such as wills, power of attorney designations, and trusts. To that end, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

It is usually easy to accomplish the clients goals, but unfortunately many people do not take the little bit of time it takes to provide for a smooth transition of their assets, or even establish who will care of their children, until it is too late.   As a result, we strongly encourage you to consult with an attorney so that you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when you are no longer around to do so.

Even for those that have already done some form of estate planning in the past, may not have addressed changes that have occurred in their lives. Should you fall into any of these categories, you should consider speaking with an attorney to discuss your estate planning needs:

• You do not have a will, power of attorney, or health care directive
• You have had children since the last time you did any estate planning
• You have a need to change your designations because you listed as a beneficiary, or a person designated to administer your affairs when you cannot
• You have had a significant change in your assets, or income, which can occur from an  inheritance, settlement of a personal injury matter, getting married, or getting divorced.
• You have purchased a business, or have changed the ownership of your business
• You believe that someone may contest your will or desires, and wish to ensure that your estate planning documents will stand up to such a challenge
• You have a loved one, such as a parent or child, who will need special care for the future

At DeLeonardo, Smith & Associates, we are always happy to discuss your situation, and assist you in the process of ensuring your wishes are carried out.  After all, what happens when you say I will get to it later and later arrives.