Wills and trusts
A will, or a trust, that says what you'd say at the table
Who gets the house. Who raises the children. Who you trust to carry it out. We write it down plainly, so nobody has to argue about what you meant.
Most of the families we meet need a simple will, a power of attorney and a health care directive. Some need a living trust, usually to keep a house or farmland out of probate, or to leave money to a child or grandchild a little at a time. We'll explain the difference in a few minutes and tell you which fits, and we quote the whole plan as one flat fee in writing before we start.
What a plan with us usually holds
A will
Who receives what, who settles the estate, and who would raise children under 18.
A living trust, if it fits
For a house, land or accounts you'd like to pass without probate.
Beneficiary check
We review your life insurance and retirement accounts, which pass outside the will.
A letter to your family
A page in your own words, kept with the originals in your binder.
Questions people ask about wills and trusts
How often should we update our will?
Look at it whenever something big changes: a death, a divorce, a marriage, a move, a new grandchild, a sale of the house. Otherwise, a read-through every five years or so is enough.
Can we name a guardian for our children?
Yes, in your will. It's the one thing a will can do that nothing else can. We'll help you name a first and second choice, and talk about who should handle the money for them.
Do we each need our own will?
Yes. Married couples usually sign two wills that mirror each other, at the same meeting.
Start with one hour at our table
Tell us about your family and what you own, roughly. We'll tell you what you need, and what it costs, before you decide anything.