estate planning

The value of a good estate plan is peace of mind. Estate Planning is the process of appropriately titling your assets and beneficiary designations, naming the people in charge during your incapacity or death, and directing the transfer of your assets. A proper Tennessee estate plan includes powers of attorney for healthcare and financial matters, a last will and testament, a living will, and, in certain cases, a living trust.

benefits of estate planning

  • Avoid a Guardianship. Prevent assets from going directly to minor children and causing an expensive and time-consuming guardianship proceeding.
  • Minimize Administration Expenses. Include language in your will or trust that streamlines the administration of the estate and reduces expenses.
  • Avoid a Conservatorship. If you fail to plan, you may find yourself in a costly conservatorship proceeding where a Judge will determine the people in charge of your assets and healthcare.
  • Protect Assets. Use testamentary trusts to protect assets from your children’s creditors (read divorcing spouses) and, sometimes, your children.
  • Avoid Probate Court. Through proper titling, beneficiary designations, and living trusts, you may avoid a probate court proceeding altogether.
  • Obtain Peace of Mind. Once you have your plan in place, you can enjoy life without the worry of what tomorrow holds.

frequently asked questions

For estate planning, I usually quote a flat fee after the initial consultation. Estate planning fees typically range from $1,000 – $5,000 depending on the type of planning (e.g. wills vs. living trusts with numerous assets and sub-trusts).

For trust and estate administrations, I typically charge my hourly rate of $300/hour after the initial consultation. Trust and estate administrations typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the number of beneficiaries, the nature and number of assets, whether a will or trust is involved, whether probate court is involved, the number of creditors involved, and whether everyone is in agreement.

For trust and estate litigation, I typically charge my hourly rate of $300/hour after the initial consultation. I will often take a retainer for litigation cases. Depending on the situation, I am often able to offer contingency fee arrangements. It is hard to give a ballpark for litigation cases. The variables that drive fees are too many to list. It is best for us to discuss the case at the initial consultation and then we can get a better idea of the fee situation.

No. I’m only licensed in the state of Tennessee.

I am located in Franklin, Tennessee. You can find me here.

schedule estate planning today