Indianapolis Estate Planning and Probate Lawyers
EACH LAWYER AT CRAVEN, HOOVER AND BLAZEK HAS OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE.
Do you want to let the Government determine who gets your assets when you die?
Unless you have a Will, Trust, or other Estate Planning Device in place, it will be the government, not you, who determines how your assets will be distributed upon your death. For over 25 years, the asset protection lawyers at Craven Hoover & Blazek have assisted clients in designing custom Estate Plans which allow our clients to direct and control the orderly transition of their assets according to their wishes. We do this by drafting Wills, Trusts, and other Estate Planning devices.
When you are in need of professional Estate Planning services, the Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek, P.C. will be there to help. Our estate planning lawyers understand that planning your estate can be a difficult and often emotional process. Our lawyers listen patiently to understand your estate planning needs. As every client is different, our lawyers offer suggestions designed to custom tailor an estate plan that suits your particular needs and wishes. Along the way we often develop lifelong relationships with our clients. Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation, or simply submit an email directly from our website using the form to the right.
Experienced Attorneys in Indiana Estate and Probate Law
As seasoned Indianapolis probate attorneys who are well-versed in Indiana’s estate planning and probate process, we offer a wide range of professional legal services and advice for the administration of Wills, Trusts, and Estate Plans, both inside and outside of Probate. This often includes efforts designed to accomplish tax minimization, wealth preservation, business succession planning, trust resolution, special needs trusts, philanthropic giving, medical contingency planning, annuities, insurance, family business transfers, and more. We help our clients explore their options and assist them in making informed decisions to develop customized estate plans that suit their desires.
Our Wills, Trusts, and Estate Plans Services Include:
- TRUSTS
- ESTATE PLANNING
- LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
- POWER OF ATTORNEY
- HEALTH CARE AGENT DESIGNATION
- ADVANCED MEDICAL DIRECTVE
- PROBATE ADMINISTRATION
- TAX MINIMIZATION
- WEALTH PRESERVATION
- BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING
- TRUST ADMINISTRATION
- SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
- PHILANTHROPIC GIVING
- MEDICAL CONTINGENCY PLANNING
- BUSINESS SUCCESSION
- AND MUCH MORE
FAQS About Estate Planning and Will Drafting
How Do I Know if I Need a Trust?
Trusts can be a powerful estate planning tool for families and individuals. Trusts are often used to avoid public probate proceedings. The answer to whether someone should consider setting up a trust depends on your individual circumstances. However, there are some general rules of thumb that may help you decide if creating a trust is the right choice for you and your loved ones.
If you have significant assets, a trust may be the best option to ensure that those assets are managed in accordance with your wishes and protected from creditors. Trusts also provide tax savings opportunities, as they can help reduce estate taxes. Additionally, trusts allow individuals to plan ahead for disability or death, and to create pathways for transferring wealth to future generations.
If you are unsure whether a trust is right for your situation, it’s best to consult with one of our experienced Indianapolis estate planning attorneys. Our team can review your financial circumstances and provide advice on the most effective way to manage your assets now and in the future. With our help, you can make sure that your loved ones are provided with the financial security they need.
Which Documents Should I Have in My Estate Plan?
Everyone’s Estate Plans will be different. However, there are four important estate planning documents that everyone should have to provide a complete estate plan. These documents include:
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT – A Last Will and Testament outlines how your estate will be distributed upon your death.
POWER OF ATTORNEY – Power of Attorney designates a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs should you become mentally incapacitated.
HEALTH CARE REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATION – A Healthcare Representative Designation appoints a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf only if you are unable to make them for yourself.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE – An Advanced Healthcare Directive guides your healthcare representative and caregivers in medical decision making.
What is Intestacy? What is Probate?
Intestacy is the situation created when a person dies without a Will. In Intestacy, your assets will be distributed according to a formula determined by the government, regardless of what you may have wanted.
Probate is the process by which the distribution of a person’s assets is overseen by a Court. If the person has prepared a legally valid Will, the distribution is made in accordance with the person’s wishes. If the person died without a Will, the distribution will be according to a formula determined by the government.
Can I Avoid Probate with a Trust?
One of the primary goals of creating a Trust is to avoid probate. Because Probate is administered through a court, it is a public proceeding. As such, the public often has access to information that families would prefer to keep confidential. Probate can also be expensive. Many of our clients choose to create a Trust to avoid Probate for these reasons.
A Trusted Civil Litigation Law Firm in Indiana
The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is the perfect choice for calculated and customized representation for estate planning and probate legal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of experienced probate lawyers has years of practice in providing legal solutions tailored to the individual needs of our clients. We understand that Estate Planning is an important and sensitive matter and strive to ensure that it is handled in the most efficient, secure, and seamless way possible.
Contact us today at 317-881-2700 for a free consultation and let us help you create a plan that meets your individual and post-life goals. Don’t delay-secure your future today!