We help clients with estate planning from the simplest to the most complex estates. We represent a wide range of individual clients, from those with small business interests to executives of major corporations, as well as professionals and investors. Our estate planning lawyers focus on providing personalized attention to each of our clients, helping them to organize their estates in the manner that best allows them to achieve their objectives. Our clients' diverse property interests frequently call for our advice on transactions in multiple states or foreign countries. HCMP's estate planning lawyers carry out our commitment to combining up-to-date professional experience and cutting-edge technology to provide personalized, superior service quickly and efficiently.
Personal Lifetime Planning
Our attorneys provide focused advice by listening to your desires, considering your assets, and analyzing the impact of state and federal tax laws. Our general tax planning activities involve both individuals and businesses. Once the client-lawyer planning phase is completed, we draft the documents necessary to implement your plan, which may include the following:
- Wills (simple and complex, including those with trusts);
- Living trusts -- both revocable and irrevocable (including life insurance and charitable trusts);
- Prenuptial and postnuptial property agreements;
- Durable powers of attorney;
- Directives to physicians ("living wills"); and
- Instructions regarding anatomical gifts.
Living Trusts
Living trusts (also known as revocable trusts) have become a significant planning tool for many people. Our lawyers have extensive experience in the drafting, funding, and administration of living trusts. We regularly advise the trustees of these trusts in administrative matters during the lifetime of the person creating the trust. After the death of the person creating the trust, we provide advice in connection with the continuation or distribution of the trust.
Trust and Probate Administration
We represent personal representatives and trustees in connection with the initiation, administration, and supervision of trust, estate, and other related proceedings. Our work includes preparing pleadings for appointment of personal representatives; inventorying assets and liabilities; reviewing and analyzing possible income and estate tax planning options; preparing any necessary accountings; transferring assets in estate distribution; and closing the probate administration. We often coordinate closely with accountants in completing estate and gift tax returns. We also represent individual beneficiaries regarding their personal interests in trusts and estates.
Guardianship Matters
Should a guardianship proceeding become necessary to protect and manage the assets of a disabled person, we have substantial experience in the required court procedures and accountings, from inception through completion of the guardianship process.
Business Succession
Our estate planning lawyers have strong backgrounds in business law and are uniquely situated to assist clients in their objectives to move family owned businesses and assets intact from one generation to the next.
Special Consultations with Other Professionals
When necessary to achieve our clients’ objectives, we consult extensively with other lawyers, accountants, life underwriters and financial planners concerning matters relating to all aspects of personal planning.
