Providing quality service to our clients is a top priority. We recognize that many people would rather not contemplate issues surrounding death or incapacity. At Bhatt Law Firm, we take a proactive approach to explain the law, advise our clients of their options and enable them to make informed decisions.

We will assist clients in conveying their wishes to loved ones through carefully drafted estate plans. These plans can be as simple or as complex as the client needs to choose.

Our Estate Planning practice includes:

Last Will and Testaments

We can help you express your wishes regarding property distribution through a last will and testament.

Living Wills

To express your end-of-life decisions to loved ones and medical professionals through a living will.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions regarding your financial needs should you become incapable of making such decisions.

Healthcare Proxy

When a medical decision needs to be made on your behalf, a healthcare proxy should be in place. This document will allow you to appoint a person to express your wishes and make health decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

Trusts

People have different reasons for using trusts in their estate planning: charitable giving, control, probate avoidance, and many other factors. We help you evaluate your needs and determine if a trust is an appropriate instrument for your estate planning.

What is Probate?

Probate laws are the set of laws that make sure that the creditors are paid properly and that assets are distributed to the heirs or the descendants.

Why is Probate Necessary?

The primary function of probate is transferring the title of the decedent’s property to his or her heirs and/or beneficiaries. If there is no property to transfer there is usually no need for probate. Another function of probate is to provide for the collection of any taxes due by reason of the deceased’s death or on the transfer of his or her property.

Probate Avoidance

The probate process serves the vital purpose of ensuring that an individual’s estate is properly distributed to his or her creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries. However, the probate process can be slow and can often tie up estate property for several months. Probate may also be costly with certain fees being paid out of the estate and reducing the amount left for distribution.