An estate planning lawyer helps individuals and families create legal plans for managing and transferring property, protecting beneficiaries, and preparing for incapacity. Depending on your situation, an attorney may draft a will or trust, establish powers of attorney and health care directives, review beneficiary designations, address estate or tax considerations, and help reduce potential problems during probate.
Matthew Luedke focuses on estate planning needs in Spokane Valley, WA, with attention to wills, trusts, and future asset planning.
Learn about Vickie R. Wilcox's Albuquerque, NM practice, including personal injury matters and injury claims, liability, and recovery.
The Atlanta, GA profile for Harold A. Hudson highlights real estate law matters, including property deals, contracts, and disputes.
Steven M. Brom's Birmingham, AL practice is focused on estate planning needs, including wills, trusts, and future asset planning.
The Centerville, IA profile for Bradley M. Grothe highlights personal injury cases, including accident claims, damages, and compensation.
This Friendswood, TX profile highlights Jeffrey Hannah's focus on family law concerns and divorce, custody, support, and related disputes.
Patricia A. Boyes works on personal injury matters in San Jose, CA, addressing accident-related losses and compensation issues.
Jeremy Atwood's work in Layton, UT includes injury claims, with attention to damages, insurance issues, and recovery options.
Gerald R. Lacy is a West Virginia trial lawyer with 40+ years of experience representing seriously injured individuals.
Chad J. Julius' practice in Harrisburg, PA centers on bankruptcy law matters, including debt options, filings, and creditor concerns.
Patrick J. Monahan is the founder of Desert Valley Law, PLLC, serving business law clients in Glendale, Arizona.
John A. Carlisle's practice in Jacksonville, FL centers on criminal matters, including case preparation, defense, and court proceedings.
Business law attorney at Arctic Law Alaska, LLC in Wasilla, also handling estate planning and family law matters.
This Kingston, PA profile highlights Matthew Kelly's focus on family law matters and marital, parenting, custody, and support concerns.
Iriana Blitshtein's legal work in Southampton, PA focuses on injury claims, including damages, insurance issues, and recovery options.
Andrea K. Shoup is a California estate planning attorney specializing in trusts, probate, estate planning, and trust administration.
In Scottsdale, AZ, Michelle J. Perkins' practice includes family law matters, especially marital, parenting, custody, and support concerns.
Michael D. Craver handles injury-related matters in Centerville, IA, including matters related to claims, responsibility, and financial recovery.
Thomas Radney's work in Alexander City, AL is centered on personal injury cases, with attention to accident claims, damages, and compensation.
Jared R. Callister is a Business Law attorney with Fishman, Larsen & Callister in Fresno, California.
Jed Davis' work in Augusta, ME includes criminal law matters, with attention to charges, defense strategy, and court proceedings.
Alison A. Tate works on injury claims in Boston, MA, addressing damages, insurance issues, and recovery options.
Jason Weiner handles family cases in Anchorage, AK, including matters related to custody, support, parenting, and marital issues.
In Baton Rouge, LA, Deanna Cuevas Johnson works on injury claims involving damages, insurance issues, and recovery options.
Nicole Daussin is a Wasilla, Alaska attorney focusing on Family Law for individuals and families statewide.
Mary Ellen Felps handles disability benefit matters in Austin, TX, including matters related to SSDI claims, appeals, and eligibility issues.
Based in Frisco, TX, Kelly K. E. Robb's practice includes family cases, particularly custody, support, parenting, and marital issues.
Mark Harris provides legal counsel in business, real estate, insurance defense, employment, banking, healthcare, and immigration matters.
Jennifer Schwab handles family law matters in Albuquerque, NM, including matters related to custody, support, divorce, and family disputes.
Jennett Maniscalco provides experienced legal guidance in estate planning, helping individuals and families protect their assets, plan for the future, and preserve their legacy.
W. Scott Lawler, Esq. is a Chandler, Arizona business law attorney with over 35 years of experience, licensed in Arizona and California.
Based in San Diego, CA, Alejandra Rodriguez's practice includes estate matters, particularly planning, wills, trusts, and legacy concerns.
In Allentown, PA, Michael J. O'Connor's practice includes personal injury concerns, especially accident losses, liability, and claim strategy.
The Boca Raton, FL profile for Patrick J. Mcburney highlights business legal matters, including agreements, transactions, and company issues.
Principal attorney at Watson Law Firm, P.A. in Springdale, Arkansas, practicing in Northwest Arkansas since 1982 and Peer Review rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Amy J. Schrum is a Business Law attorney at Golden Heart Law, LLC in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Martin E. Long handles matters in Denver, CO involving bankruptcy law matters, including debt options, filings, and creditor concerns.
Based in Augusta, ME, Stephen Steve Smith's practice focuses on injury claims and damages, insurance issues, and recovery options.
In Dallas, TX, Favad Bajaria works on business law matters involving contracts, transactions, and commercial disputes.
Margaret O. Rogers is a family law attorney with Rogers Law Group, LLC, serving clients in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Rancho Cucamonga business attorney helping individuals and businesses resolve disputes and legal challenges.
Nancy M. Kirby is an attorney and founder and managing partner of Nancy Kirby Law Office in Alexander City, Alabama. Her confirmed practice area is family law.
Based in Bethlehem, PA, Joseph F. Leeson III's practice includes personal injury concerns, particularly accident losses, liability, and claim strategy.
Mark Mastrarrigo's practice in Cooper City, FL centers on estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, and legacy planning.
Anthony H. Misseldine is a Business Law attorney at JacksonWhite P.C. serving clients in Mesa, Arizona.
Business Law attorney at Satterwhite Reece Law Firm serving clients in Mobile, Alabama and the Gulf Coast region.
William G. Bill Kilpatrick Jr. maintains a Destin, FL practice focused on business legal matters, including agreements, transactions, and company issues.
Roland T. Hairston, II is a Middle Tennessee lawyer focused on Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate, and family law mediation.
David A. Finlayson focuses on business planning, estate planning, probate, and related tax matters in New Mexico.
Meghan E. Edwards' Jacksonville, FL practice covers property law matters, with emphasis on transactions, ownership, and real estate disputes.
Learn about Olivia Marks' New Orleans, LA practice, including family law matters and marital, parenting, custody, and support concerns.
Carmela Starace focuses on estate and fiduciary litigation in New Mexico and real property law in New York.
Lars Kushner is an estate planning attorney helping individuals and families with wills, trusts, probate, and other estate planning matters.
Nikiya Herron's Lakeland, FL practice is focused on real estate law matters, including property deals, contracts, and disputes.
Douglas Borthwick is a criminal defense attorney serving clients in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Damien Mckinney focuses on personal injury cases in Tampa, FL, with attention to accident claims, damages, and compensation.
James N. Willi handles estate planning matters in Austin, TX, including matters related to wills, trusts, and legacy planning.
Review Shirley Vu's Austin, TX profile for disability benefit matters and matters involving SSDI claims, appeals, and eligibility issues.
Review Joshua A. Gildea's profile in Allentown, PA, with a practice centered on intellectual property matters and creative rights, protection, and disputes.
Michael A. Santanasto's Bethlehem, PA practice is focused on trust matters, including trust planning, administration, and asset protection.
Cheryl A. Rowe works on family law concerns in Lancaster, PA, addressing divorce, custody, support, and related disputes.
Patrick W. Pedano works on personal injury cases in Chesterfield, MO, addressing accident claims, damages, and compensation.
Daniel Wagner's legal work in Aventura, FL focuses on business law concerns, including contracts, operations, and commercial disputes.
Brian Durrell is a business law attorney at Durrell Law Group PC in Anchorage, Alaska.
In Beverly Hills, CA, Chananel Keila Nakasaka's practice includes estate planning, especially wills, trusts, and asset-transfer planning.
Anthony L. Cicio, Jr. is an attorney with Cicio and Cicio, P.C. Attorneys at Law in Birmingham, Alabama.
Larry R. Roth Esquire works on estate planning matters in Allentown, PA, addressing wills, trusts, and legacy planning.
Thomas Tuohy is an Arizona estate planning and probate attorney helping individuals and families protect their assets and navigate complex legal matters.
Michael Devon Lee's work in Jacksonville, FL is centered on business law concerns, with attention to contracts, operations, and commercial disputes.
Review Marc J. Slotnick's profile in Charleston, WV, with a practice centered on real estate law matters and property deals, contracts, and disputes.
Matthew L. Fryar is a Partner focusing on Business Law at Crouch, Harwell, Fryar & Ferner, PLLC in Springdale, Arkansas.
Jonathan is a Tennessee attorney handling family law, probate, divorce, custody, personal injury, wills, and estate matters.
For criminal cases in Gretna, LA, Roy M. Bowes' practice addresses defense options, court issues, and legal strategy.
Former prosecutor August Petropulos brings over a decade of courtroom experience to family law clients in Juneau, Alaska.
Mark T. Davis' El Paso, TX practice is focused on family legal matters, including custody, parenting, support, and divorce issues.
Gordon W. Odell Jr.'s work in Alexander City, AL includes injury-related matters, with attention to claims, responsibility, and financial recovery.
For business matters in Madison, WI, Mark D. Burish's practice addresses transactions, agreements, and legal planning.
L. Curtis Vernon focuses on wills, trusts, and customized estate planning tailored to each family’s circumstances.
Dothan, Alabama attorney and firm founder representing injured clients, including spinal cord injury victims, and their families.
Joseph Scanlon's Dallas, TX practice covers estate matters, with emphasis on planning, wills, trusts, and legacy concerns.
Douglas C. Martinson, II is a Business Law attorney at Martinson & Beason, P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Harrisburg, PA profile for Marielle F. Hazen highlights estate matters, including planning, wills, trusts, and legacy concerns.
In Bethlehem, PA, Donald F. Spry II works on family law matters involving custody, support, divorce, and family disputes.
Based in San Antonio, TX, Samuel W. Packard's practice includes disability benefit matters, particularly SSDI claims, appeals, and eligibility issues.
Chris Oswalt's work in Little Rock, AR includes family law matters, with attention to custody, support, divorce, and family disputes.
Steven Harold Haney's practice in Los Angeles, CA centers on business law matters, including contracts, transactions, and commercial disputes.
Jane Dixon is the founder of Allied Law Services, PLLC in Dothan, Alabama, focusing on U.S. immigration and family law for families worldwide.
Cynthia is a Vermont attorney focusing on personal injury, family law, appeals, criminal defense, probate, and real estate.
Christopher P. Walker's work in Anaheim, CA is centered on bankruptcy concerns, with attention to debt relief, court filings, and creditor issues.
Mark Van Horn's legal focus in Allentown, PA includes civil legal matters, covering claims, disputes, and litigation concerns.
Jeffrey M. Sklarz is a business law attorney with Green & Sklarz LLC in New Haven, Connecticut.
Leon Jones, Jr. is a Business Law attorney at Big Rock Legacy Law Group, PLC in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Based in Wilmington, DE, Eric Doroshhow's practice includes injury-related matters, particularly claims, responsibility, and financial recovery.
Charles C. Bratton II Esq. works on estate planning needs in Cherry Hill, NJ, addressing wills, trusts, and future asset planning.
The York, PA profile for Patrick James Schaeffer highlights family law matters, including marital, parenting, custody, and support concerns.
B. Saxon Main is a Business Law attorney at Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak in Montgomery, Alabama.
Brenda is a trial lawyer with 40+ years of experience and former Senior Counsel for the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
Stephen J. Odonnell's work in Augusta, ME includes personal injury concerns, with attention to accident losses, liability, and claim strategy.
For criminal defense matters in Alexander City, AL, Mitchell E. Gavin's practice addresses investigations, charges, and case strategy.
Bruce Mcfarland's Tifton, GA practice covers family law matters, with emphasis on marital, parenting, custody, and support concerns.
Review Jason Johnson's Cheyenne, WY profile for workers' compensation matters and matters involving workplace injury claims and benefit issues.
Review Robert M. Knauer's Allentown, PA profile for real estate law matters and matters involving property deals, contracts, and disputes.
Kevin A. Ganser, Esq. provides experienced legal counsel in estate planning, tax planning, probate, trust administration, real estate, and business matters.
Matt Ackmann focuses on estate and tax planning for business owners, wealthy families, trusts, and tax-exempt organizations.
J. Edward Enoch's Atlanta, GA practice is focused on employment concerns, including workplace disputes, rights, and related claims.
Review Emily Joyce Phillips' profile in Miami, FL, with a practice centered on family law matters and custody, support, divorce, and family disputes.
Paul Jeffrey Carter is a business law attorney with Bergkvist, Bergkvist & Carter LLP in Long Beach, California.
Learn about Gwen Marie Davis' Lanham, MD practice, including business law matters and contracts, transactions, and commercial disputes.
Peter L. Johnston practices in Philadelphia, PA, with a focus on personal injury cases and accident claims, damages, and compensation.
Eric S. Olson's Naples, FL practice is focused on personal injury matters, including injury claims, liability, and recovery.
Elise Lampert provides experienced legal guidance in estate planning, probate, trust litigation, wills, conservatorships, and elder abuse matters.
Kelly G. Jette is an estate planning attorney helping clients with trusts, probate, estate administration, and long-term planning.
Raphael A. Rosemblat, Esq. provides experienced legal counsel in estate planning, probate, trust litigation, and estate administration in California.
Based in Alexander City, AL, Herbert E. Chip Browder's practice focuses on estate planning and wills, trusts, and asset-transfer planning.
In Miami, FL, Devina Mistry's practice includes immigration matters, especially petitions, status, visas, and legal processes.
Review Dave Gormley's Waldorf, MD profile for personal injury matters and matters involving accident-related losses and compensation issues.
Founder of Malone & Associates, PC, bringing decades of legal and judicial experience to Business Law clients in Tuscaloosa, AL.
G. S. Brant Perkins is a Business Law attorney at Perkins Law Firm, serving clients in Johnson, Arkansas.
Dan Droege's legal work in Denver, CO focuses on family law matters, including custody, support, divorce, and family disputes.
Ronald P. Slates' legal focus in Los Angeles, CA includes bankruptcy matters, covering debt relief, filings, and creditor issues.
Matt Arnold practices in Charlotte, NC, with a focus on injury claims and damages, insurance issues, and recovery options.
In Layton, UT, Dallin Morrow's practice includes family legal matters, especially custody, parenting, support, and divorce issues.
Billie Tarascio focuses on family law concerns in Tucson, AZ, with attention to divorce, custody, support, and related disputes.
| Will | Trust |
|---|---|
| Takes effect according to its terms at death | Certain trusts can operate during your lifetime |
| Directs distribution of covered assets | Holds and manages property placed in the trust |
| Can name guardians for minor children | Can establish detailed rules for beneficiaries |
| Generally goes through probate for covered property | Properly funded trusts may allow assets to pass outside probate |
| Names an executor | Names a trustee |
| Usually simpler to establish | May require additional setup and ongoing administration |
Before hiring an attorney, consider asking:
How much of your practice focuses on estate planning?
Do you regularly prepare both wills and trusts?
Can you review how my assets are titled?
Will you review beneficiary designations with my overall plan?
Do you handle estate and tax planning when necessary?
How often should my estate plan be reviewed?
Do you charge a flat fee or hourly rate?
What documents are usually included in an estate plan?
An estate plan may include a will, trust, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, and related documents. The documents appropriate for you depend on your family, property, objectives, and applicable state law.
Do I need both a will and a trust?
Not everyone needs both. A will provides instructions for covered property after death, while a trust may provide additional control over assets and how beneficiaries receive them. An attorney can determine whether a trust adds meaningful benefits.
Can a trust help avoid probate?
Assets properly transferred to certain trusts may pass outside the probate process. However, simply creating a trust does not automatically move assets into it; proper funding and coordination are important.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a valid will, state intestacy laws generally determine how probate assets are distributed. The rules vary by state and may not reflect how you would have chosen to distribute your property.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Reviewing the plan after significant family, financial, health, or residential changes is sensible. Even without a major change, periodic reviews can identify outdated beneficiaries, fiduciaries, documents, or asset arrangements.
Can an estate planning lawyer help reduce estate taxes?
An attorney can evaluate whether federal or state estate, inheritance, gift, or other tax considerations affect your estate and discuss legally appropriate planning strategies. Tax consequences depend heavily on individual circumstances.
How much does an estate planning lawyer cost?
Costs vary based on location, attorney, documents required, and complexity. Some attorneys offer flat-fee packages for basic estate plans, while more complicated trust, business, or tax planning may involve different fee arrangements.