What is estate planning and why is it important?

Estate planning involves legally arranging how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death or in the event of incapacity. It's important to ensure your wishes are honored, minimize taxes, and provide for your loved ones.

What documents are typically involved in estate planning?

Common estate planning documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations.

Do I need a will if I have a trust?

Yes, having both a will and a trust can be beneficial. A will covers any assets not included in a trust and can designate guardians for minor children.

What's the difference between a living trust and a will in Nebraska?

A living trust takes effect during your lifetime, allowing you to manage your assets and providing for management in case of incapacity. A will takes effect after your death, directing how your assets should be distributed.

How often should I update my estate plan?

It's advisable to review and possibly update your estate plan every three to five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets.

Can I write my own will or trust in Nebraska?

While it's legally possible to write your own will or trust, it's highly recommended to seek professional legal assistance to ensure all documents are valid, clear, and accurately reflect your wishes.

What happens if I die without a will in Nebraska?

If you die without a will (intestate) in Nebraska, your assets will be distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not align with your personal wishes.

Are estate planning documents public record in Nebraska?

Wills become public record when filed for probate. Trusts, however, generally do not become public record, offering more privacy in how your assets are distributed.

Estate Planning Attorneys in Kearney

At Parker, Grossart & Bahensky, L.L.P., our estate planning lawyers in Kearney are dedicated to helping you secure your legacy and ensure your wishes are respected. With a deep understanding of estate planning complexities, we provide personalized guidance to navigate wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our approach is centered on creating comprehensive estate plans that offer peace of mind, protect assets, and provide clarity and support for your loved ones during life’s most significant transitions.

Power of Attorney

Ensure your financial and healthcare decisions are in trusted hands with a legally binding power of attorney, tailored to reflect your preferences and circumstances.

Educational & Bypass Trusts

Work with our attorneys to safeguard your family's educational future and minimize estate taxes with educational and bypass trusts, customized to align with your long-term financial goals.

Business Succession and Insurance Planning

Ensure the longevity and stability of your business with strategic succession planning and insurance solutions, safeguarding its continuity and your family's interests.

Designation of Guardian

Protect your loved ones' futures with a designation of guardian, providing peace of mind about their care and well-being in your absence. Our attorneys are here to help.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Our experienced Estate Planning attorneys can combine philanthropy with financial planning by setting up charitable remainder trusts, offering tax advantages and supporting the causes you care about.

Life Insurance Trusts

Our experienced attorneys can help create a life insurance trust to manage insurance payouts efficiently, providing financial support and tax benefits for your beneficiaries.

Living Wills & Trusts

We'll help you establish living wills and trusts, ensuring your healthcare wishes are honored and your assets are managed according to your directives during your lifetime.

Family Limited Liability Companies

Our law firm can help manage and protect your family's assets through family limited partnerships, facilitating wealth transfer and providing control over the family's financial legacy.

Probate

Partner with us to navigate the complexities of probate with confidence, as our experienced attorneys provide compassionate guidance and efficient management of your loved one's estate.

Estate planning generally is the process by which people develop a plan that ensures that the assets they have worked so hard to accumulate during their lifetime are protected and distributed to those they love. If an individual does not develop an estate plan, Nebraska law prescribes the method by which that person's assets will pass upon death. This distribution method is standardized and therefore often does not meet the specific needs or goals of an individual. To ensure that a person's property is distributed as they desire upon their death, an estate plan is necessary.

What is estate planning and why is it important?

Estate planning involves legally arranging how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death or in the event of incapacity. It's important to ensure your wishes are honored, minimize taxes, and provide for your loved ones.
What documents are typically involved in estate planning?

Common estate planning documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations.
Do I need a will if I have a trust?

Yes, having both a will and a trust can be beneficial. A will covers any assets not included in a trust and can designate guardians for minor children.
What's the difference between a living trust and a will in Nebraska?

A living trust takes effect during your lifetime, allowing you to manage your assets and providing for management in case of incapacity. A will takes effect after your death, directing how your assets should be distributed.
How often should I update my estate plan?

It's advisable to review and possibly update your estate plan every three to five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets.
Can I write my own will or trust in Nebraska?

While it's legally possible to write your own will or trust, it's highly recommended to seek professional legal assistance to ensure all documents are valid, clear, and accurately reflect your wishes.
What happens if I die without a will in Nebraska?

If you die without a will (intestate) in Nebraska, your assets will be distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not align with your personal wishes.
Are estate planning documents public record in Nebraska?

Wills become public record when filed for probate. Trusts, however, generally do not become public record, offering more privacy in how your assets are distributed.

KEarney Estate planning Attorneys

An Estate Planning Law Firm Serving Kearney & Surrounding Communities

Estate Planning Lawyers in Kearney