Let An Experienced Manchester Lawyer Help Create Your Estate Plan

A comprehensive estate plan is critical to passing on your assets in a way that eliminates confusion and costs for those you love. At Craighead & Martin, PLLC, it is the core of Attorney Joanne Craighead’s practice.

With close to four decades of experience in New Hampshire estate law, she knows how to guide you through every step of the process. She will take the time to understand your financial situation as well as your goals. Attorney Craighead will make sure you have a plan that will be accepted as valid by the probate courts and will transfer your assets efficiently.

The Process Of Creating A Comprehensive Estate Plan

The approach and strategy at Craighead & Martin, PLLC, is always centered around the client’s specific needs. Attorney Craighead will discuss your goals and ask questions to understand your situation thoroughly. She will then explain the options open to you and how each might benefit you. This often includes:

Writing a last will and testament

A will allows you to retain control over your asset distribution. It ensures your property goes to the people and charities you choose. It also allows you to nominate a guardian for your children, in case you pass away while they are still minors. Attorney Craighead dedicates her practice to planning and administration, rather than will contests or litigation. This means she prioritizes creating clear and detailed documents that can mitigate risk and conflict.

Establishing a trust

A trust is a versatile instrument for managing and transferring assets. It allows you to control the timing, reason and other important details of a transfer. It can be particularly helpful for real estate or complex assets. Attorney Craighead provides legal guidance on two types of trusts.

• Revocable living trusts: This type of trust holds your assets during your lifetime, allowing you to manage them as a trustee. Its main benefits are privacy and probate avoidance, as assets in the trust do not have to go through the public court process.
• Testamentary trusts: This type of trust is created inside your will and only forms after your death. It is an excellent tool for managing an inheritance for young beneficiaries, family members with special needs or anyone who may need long-term financial support.

Creating advance directives and powers of attorney

An advance directive allows you to name a trusted agent to make medical decisions for you only if you cannot make them yourself. It also lets you provide specific instructions for your end-of-life care.

If you want to appoint someone to manage your finances, not just your medical care, you may also consider creating a financial power of attorney. This document lets you appoint an agent who can take care of your finances, such as managing accounts or paying bills, if you are no longer able to.

These are the primary areas that make up an integrated estate plan. Attorney Craighead will walk you through all of the options in more detail during your consultation.

Call An Experienced Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Creating your estate plan is an important act of care for your family. When you are ready to discuss your goals, contact Craighead & Martin, PLLC. Attorney Craighead is ready to listen to your situation and guide you through the process with the personal attention you deserve. Call the firm at 603-795-7308 or fill out this online form to schedule your consultation.