Estate Wills & Trusts

Wills & Trusts Attorney Greenfield IN

Wills and Trust Law in Greenfield, IN Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White

One of the best ways to ensure your property is distributed in accordance with your wishes is to have a will or a trust prepared. Not only does this minimize the probate process, but it also ensures your wishes are carried out. Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White assists residents in Greenfield, Fortville, New Palestine, McCordsville, Hancock County, Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Morristown, Knightstown, Anderson, Pendleton, New Castle, Connersville, Rushville, Fishers, Geist, Carmel, Shelby County, Henry County, Hamilton County, Madison County, Marion County and central Indiana with a whole range of issues including:

• Last Will and Testament – we can help you prepare a will so that your family will know exactly what your wishes are for your assets after your death. Wills typically include distribution of assets to family members, loved ones and charities if this is your desire. A properly prepared will can ensure everyone knows your final wishes for your assets and personal property.
• Trust Administration – if you have been named a successor trustee and the original trustee is now deceased you have the responsibility to fulfill the terms of the trust agreement. Typically this will include cataloging and obtaining appraisals of property, distributing property in accordance with the terms of the trust as well as preparing and filing the final tax return for the trust. This process must be completed in a timely manner; our goal is to make the administration process as simple as possible.
• Litigation – will and trust beneficiaries often do not agree with the way an estate has been distributed or managed. In these cases, our team can help deal with litigation arising when a beneficiary is contesting an estate.

Whether you are planning your estate or you have been named executor or administrator of an estate or a trust, contact Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White to schedule a consultation. We can help you with all types of issues involved in preparing and administering an estate.

Deciding Between a Will and a Trust

It’s important to get in touch with a legal specialist who will help you plan your future, and a wills & trusts attorney Greenfield IN trusts is just what you need.

When you reach out to the professionals at Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White, you’re getting qualified legal input and a full view of the estate planning options that are on the table. Read on to learn more about whether wills or trusts are best for you, and get in touch with us to get started.

• What is right for me, a will or a living trust?

Every case is different, and it’s important to consider what wills and trusts have to offer before choosing. Some people may even try to manage both! Depending on your current living situation, a will or a trust may be better for you – and a Greenfield wills & trusts attorney can fill you in on all the fine details.

• What is a will?

A will is a list of your assets and beneficiaries. Translated from legalese, it breaks down into a list of everything you own (your assets), and whoever you’d like to receive your assets (your beneficiaries). The contents of your will can be divided however you’d like and you won’t have to worry about it once it’s all written up. On the downside, it can be complicated when it comes to execution.

• What is probate?

It would be convenient if all your assets were automatically sent to all your beneficiaries upon your death, but sadly that’s not really the case. Your estate needs to go through probate, the special process through which your assets are collected and valued, your taxes and debts are paid off, and whatever’s left over is finally distributed to your beneficiaries. It can be a lengthy process, and there’s lots of room for additional fees and legal headaches before your loved ones see a scrap of whatever you’ve left behind.

• What is a living trust?

A living trust (oftentimes just called a trust) is similar to a will, but at the same time completely different. Like a will, a trust lists your assets and beneficiaries, and it’s an important tool for ensuring your loved ones get whatever you’ve left for them after your death. However, when you create a trust, you’re naming a third party to handle your estate. Trusts are uncontestable, and when you leave behind a trust you’re also ensuring your loved ones don’t have to deal with probate.

• What is the downside to a trust?

It sounds like a living trust is the clear winner over a will, but there’s still plenty to keep in mind. When it comes to a trust, you need to constantly manage it while you’re alive. Trusts are also more expensive than wills. Wills are easier to put together than living trusts, but are difficult to execute. Trusts are somewhat the opposite: They require more management, but saves your loved ones lots of trouble when it’s time to divide your assets.

Contact Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White Today

It can be challenging to decide what’s better for your situation when it’s time to plan your estate. Fortunately, the specialists at Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White can help you figure out the ins and outs of estate planning, while ensuring the best future possible for your loved ones.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Reach out ot us today, and see how a Greenfield wills & trusts attorney from our team can help.