Bishop & Heintz has substantial experience and expertise in estate planning matters, and drafting of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designations. The firm's services in these areas include:

• Initial consultation and analysis. The most important consideration in estate planning is to identify the goals and objectives of the client and to review those goals in light of each client's unique and individual personal, business and financial situation. Options available to each client are suggested and the client, in conjunction with the firm’s attorneys, determines the course of action and implements the plan by identifying, drafting and executing appropriate documents. The plan may include retitling assets. All estate plans are unique to the individual client but, in most instances, the ultimate plan is a variation one or more proven strategies. Appropriate estate planning can accomplish, among other things, the following:
  • Minimize, to the extent possible, the impact of taxes in the accumulation management and distribution of an estate.
  • Protect minor children, disabled persons by appropriate designation of guardians and conservators, and by providing appropriate management vehicles through use of trusts.
  • Utilizing trusts, or asset titling strategies to avoid probate.
  • Assist in planning for appropriate and desired succession in family businesses. Assistance with appropriate utilization of life insurance and retirement planning in conjunction with individual estate plans.
  • Preserve available governmental benefits and maximize estate retention in long-term care circumstances.
  • Insure that an individual’s desires concerning medical treatment are met and adhered to in the event that individual incapacity by utilization of patient advocate designations or similar documents.
  • Provide for other family members to act in the event of a person's incapacity, or other absence by utilization of Durable Powers of Attorney.
  • Assist in the final administration of probate estates.