Estate Planning
Truly effective estate planning is about more than simply minimizing taxes – although that is a part of it, and Ilene’s certification as a tax specialist makes her uniquely qualified in this area. It also involves planning for disability or death. Who has the authority to handle your finances if you are unable to do so? Who can make healthcare choices for you if you are unable to do so? As stated in the first paragraph; if you have not made your own choices, they will be made for you.
How We Help
We are committed to helping our clients by listening closely and helping you identify and clarify your most pressing concerns. After thoroughly understanding your particular situation and family dynamics, we will craft a comprehensive plan that addresses all of your concerns, and provides peace of mind for you and the people you care about most. If you already have a plan, chances are we can make it better. Remember, the law changes and your plan should reflect those changes. After all, an inadequate or outdated plan is often worse than no plan at all.
Needs We Address
The estate plan we create for you will accomplish all or just some of the following, depending on your specific needs:
- Maintain control over your affairs
- Protect your assets
- Continue to enjoy the lifestyle to which you have become accustomed
- Significantly reduce income, gift, capital gains, and estate taxes
- Pass the largest possible amount of your wealth on to your heirs in accordance with your wishes
- Protect your heirs’ inheritance from creditors, predators and, in certain cases, from the poor judgment of your heirs themselves
- Keep your affairs private
- Avoid the expenses and delays associated with probate
- Pass your values and work ethic on to your heirs
- Ensure your legacy
- Protect and leave instructions for your beloved pets with a pet trust
Find out more about Estate Planning
Joint Tenancy Does Not Replace a Will
Many people think that owning property in joint tenancy means they don’t have to create a will or estate plan. Why bother with a will when all the property is going to your joint tenancy partner anyway? In fact (some people may ask) why not do away with the need for a...
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Estate
There are a number of mistakes that an estate planning and probate attorney will see over and over again over the course of their career. Many of these mistakes seem small, but can have a huge negative impact on your family after your death. More often than not these...
What To Do When Your Kids Don’t Like Your Will
In an ideal world elderly parents and their adult children always get along, and when those parents pass away their children quietly and respectfully follow their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate. Unfortunately, we don’t always live in an ideal world,...
The Shortest Will: It May Hold the Record, But It Won’t Hold Water
Have you ever wondered just how little you could get away with in your last will and testament? Aletta Stager of Brooklyn, NY holds the distinction of having executed one of the shortest wills on record—a mere 2 lines long! “Nov. 29, 1895. I give to my cousin, Nettie...
Women: Take Charge of Your Finances… And Your Future!
A woman today often has to wear many hats: daughter, wife, mother, employee, boss, caregiver, family CFO, etc. Women are unique contributors both within their families and in society at large, often taking care not only of young children but of elderly parents as...
Changes to New York Powers of Attorney May Lead to Changes for All
An interesting article in this week’s Time Magazine online addresses some of the weaknesses in the Durable Power of Attorney (POA) document—especially as regards the elderly—and how New York State is addressing these weaknesses. If New York’s experience with the...
Questions?
Call
(480) 296-2036
info@ilmlaw.net
Hours
Mon – Fri: 9am – 4pm
Location
9777 N. 91st St
Suite C-103
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Mailing Address
8776 E Shea Blvd
Suite 106 PMB 607
Scottsdale, AZ 85260