Preparing the Well-Planned Estate

Proper estate planning means more than having a good Last Will and Testament. It can protect assets and ensure who receives them when the time comes. Businesses, especially family-owned and other closely held businesses, must plan strategically for business succession and the tax implications of transferring business assets, whether during life or at death. Whitaker Chalk’s estate planning attorneys have the probate, tax, financial and business experience to guide you every step of the way. We work to achieve our clients’ wishes through:

• Last wills and testaments
• Trust creation and administration
• Marital property agreements
• Tax and business planning
• Wealth transfer planning
• Estate administration
• Life estate creation
• Guardianships

Managing the Unplanned Estate

While death is a sure thing, it can still sometimes occur without comprehensive estate planning. We have the experience to manage the unplanned transfer of assets to heirs in the most efficient manner through:

• Estate administration and heirship proceedings
• Affidavits of heirship
• Family agreements

Resolving the Disputed Estate

The loss of a loved one is traumatic, and when disputes arise, this trauma is exponentially increased. We have the experience to fully advance our clients’ position and the sensitivity and compassion to manage family relationships as efficiently as possible in these trying times.

• Fiduciary litigation
• Probate litigation
• Will contests
• Trust litigation