ESTATE PLANNING
Plan Today for the People and Future You Care About.
Estate planning gives you an opportunity to make important decisions before they’re needed. Richmond Hill, PLLC helps individuals and families create thoughtful plans designed around their wishes, their assets, and the people they care about.
Your Future Deserves a Plan
Estate planning isn’t only for people with significant wealth. A thoughtful estate plan can provide direction for your assets, your family, and important decisions about your future.
We take the time to understand what matters to you and help you consider the legal documents and planning strategies that may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Build a Plan That Reflects Your Wishes
Wills & Trusts
Understand the role different estate planning tools may play in your overall plan.
Powers of Attorney
Plan for who can make certain decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
Beneficiary Planning
Review how your assets are intended to pass to the people or organizations you’ve chosen.
Good Planning Creates Clarity
The best time to make important decisions about your future is before your family has to make them for you.
We’ll help you work through the questions, understand your choices, and put a plan in place that reflects your wishes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Guidance for the Decisions That Matter
01 — Estate Planning
Create a plan that reflects your wishes and provides direction for the future.
02 — Asset Protection & Distribution
Understand how your assets may be handled and how your wishes can be documented.
03 — Family & Legacy Planning
Put plans in place to help provide clarity for the people you care about.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Estate Law Questions, Answered.
What is the difference between a Will and a Revocable Living Trust, and do I need both?
- Will: Takes effect upon death, distributing assets, naming guardians for minors, and designating an executor. Wills must pass through court probate.
- Revocable Living Trust: Takes effect upon signing, allowing assets held in the trust to be managed during life (including during incapacity) and distributed privately upon death without probate court oversight.
Nearly everyone should execute a will. A Revocable Living Trust is an effective strategy for specific situations, but also involves more setup and maintenance, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons with experienced counsel.
What essential documents make up a comprehensive estate plan?
A standard estate plan includes four foundational legal documents:
- Last Will and Testament: Distributes remaining property and nominates guardians.
- Financial Power of Attorney: Grants a trusted agent authority over financial matters during incapacity.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Appoints a proxy to make medical decisions if you cannot.
- Healthcare Directive: Expresses preferences for end-of-life care and life support.
Many couples will also want to create a Community Property Agreement and individuals may have a variety of reasons for creating a Revocable Living Trust in addition to these documents. These are specialized situations that should be reviewed with counsel.
How often should an estate plan be reviewed and updated?
Estate plans should be re-evaluated every 8 to 10 years, or immediately following major life changes, such as:
- Personal Changes: Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, death of a beneficiary or fiduciary, or significant financial shifts.
- External Changes: Relocating to another state or changes to federal/state estate tax exemptions and probate laws.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Have Questions About Your Estate?
We’re here to help you understand your options and plan with confidence.