Business and commercial law, litigation, family law, estate planning, real estate law

Estate planning & administration

Summary	Matters of money and family relationships are very personal. That's why we take a very confidential, careful approach to help you protect your assets and your family members. Everything begins with a personal relationship and ends with effective, straightforward solutions.
Approach	You receive personal counsel tailored to your specific situation, your goals and your comfort level. You'll always know what to expect and won't be surprised by hidden fees or extra costs. Whether we are helping create an estate plan or providing guidance after a loved one is gone, our fee is based only on the time we spend, instead of a percentage of the estate. We believe this gives you the best value for legal services. We are also willing to work on a fixed-fee basis.
Estate planning	We regularly provide the following services to help clients protect themselves and their loved ones. Wills Powers of attorney Appointing health care representative Living wills Asset protection planning Business succession planning Trusts We have extensive experience in drafting trusts to meet a wide array of goals including protecting assets for the benefit of: A disabled child A spouse Children Grandchildren Special people or charities important to you. While we always accomplish your goals, we also make sure you understand the process and and are clear and comfortable with the terms of the trusts being created for you.
Life insurance planning	Some of our clients' most complex decisions concern life and long-term care insurance. We have practical experience and knowledge in these areas and have helped clients: Obtain life insurance to provide liquidity for heirs on a tax-free basis. Terminate a life insurance trust that has lost its purpose or funding. Sell a cost-prohibitive life insurance policy. Analyze the pros and cons of long-term care insurance. Understand options like the Indiana Partnership Program. Evaluate long-term care needs and how to fund them.
Estate & trust administration	Losing a loved one is difficult emotionally and financially. We feel priveledged to help clients through the unfamiliar, and often confusing situations that arise during these times. Some of them include: Opening an estate. Probating a will. Contesting a will. Administering a trust. Preparing death tax and fiduciary income tax returns. Helping heirs obtain an inheritance. Assisting with administration of an estate. Docketing a trust to have it amended or reformed to correct a mistake or address a matter not considered when the trust was created.
Guardianship	Sometimes loved ones aren't able to manage their own affairs. We have assisted by: Representing those who want to serve as guardians for minor children or incapacitated adults. Preparing guardianship petitions and accountings for court filing. Representing parties in contested and uncontested guardianship proceedings. Serving as a guardian ad litem.