Protecting Your Legacy and Loved Ones
Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy—it's essential for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are followed and their loved ones are protected after they're gone. Proper estate planning allows you to control how your assets are distributed, minimize taxes, avoid probate delays, and provide for your family's future needs.
At Turner and Turner Law, we help individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether your estate is simple or complex, we provide knowledgeable guidance to help you make informed decisions about your legacy.
Don't Wait to Plan Your Estate
Many people delay estate planning, thinking they have plenty of time. The truth is, unexpected events can occur at any age. Having an estate plan in place provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones. Contact Turner and Turner Law to schedule a consultation and start planning today.
Estate Planning Services
Last Will and Testament
A will is the foundation of most estate plans. Your will specifies how your assets should be distributed, names an executor to manage your estate, designates guardians for minor children, and expresses your final wishes. Without a will, Kentucky intestacy laws determine how your property is distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
Living Wills and Advance Directives
A living will (healthcare directive) outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate your wishes. This important document guides your loved ones and healthcare providers in making decisions about life-sustaining treatment, providing clarity during difficult times.
Trusts
Trusts are powerful estate planning tools that offer advantages including avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, providing for minor children or disabled family members, and managing assets for beneficiaries. We can help you establish:
- Revocable Living Trusts: Flexible trusts you can modify during your lifetime
- Irrevocable Trusts: Provide tax benefits and asset protection
- Special Needs Trusts: Preserve government benefits for disabled beneficiaries
- Testamentary Trusts: Created through your will and take effect upon death
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney allows you to designate someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. We help you create durable powers of attorney that remain effective if you become unable to manage your own affairs.
Healthcare Powers of Attorney
A healthcare power of attorney (healthcare proxy) designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so. This person ensures your healthcare wishes are followed and makes decisions consistent with your values.
Probate Administration
When someone passes away, their estate typically goes through probate—the legal process of validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets. We guide executors and families through the probate process, handling court filings, creditor notifications, asset distribution, and final estate accounting.
Estate Tax Planning
While not everyone needs to worry about federal estate taxes, proper planning can minimize tax burdens on your estate and beneficiaries. We help you understand tax implications and structure your estate to preserve wealth for your heirs.
Benefits of Proper Estate Planning
- Control: You decide who receives your assets and when
- Protection: Safeguard minor children, disabled family members, and your legacy
- Avoid Probate: Trusts can help your estate avoid lengthy probate proceedings
- Minimize Taxes: Proper planning reduces estate and inheritance taxes
- Privacy: Trusts keep your affairs private, unlike public probate records
- Peace of Mind: Know your wishes will be followed and loved ones cared for
- Reduce Family Conflict: Clear instructions prevent disputes among heirs
Who Needs Estate Planning?
Everyone over age 18 should have at least basic estate planning documents. Estate planning is especially important if you:
- Own real estate or significant assets
- Have minor children
- Own a business
- Have disabled family members who need ongoing care
- Want to leave assets to specific people or charities
- Have blended families from previous marriages
- Want to minimize family conflicts after your death
- Have specific healthcare wishes
When to Update Your Estate Plan
Your estate plan should be reviewed and updated when major life events occur:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
- Death of a beneficiary or executor
- Significant changes in assets or financial situation
- Moving to a different state
- Changes in tax laws
- Relationship changes with named beneficiaries or executors
The Estate Planning Process
1. Initial Consultation
We'll discuss your family situation, assets, goals, and concerns. This helps us understand what type of estate plan will best serve your needs.
2. Information Gathering
We'll collect information about your assets, debts, beneficiaries, and any special circumstances that should be addressed in your plan.
3. Plan Design
Based on your goals and circumstances, we'll recommend appropriate estate planning tools and strategies.
4. Document Preparation
We'll draft all necessary documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, tailored to your specific situation.
5. Review and Signing
We'll review all documents with you to ensure they accurately reflect your wishes, then oversee proper execution with required witnesses and notarization.
6. Implementation and Updates
We'll help you implement your plan, including funding trusts if necessary, and we recommend periodic reviews to keep your plan current.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
- Procrastination: Don't wait—create your estate plan now
- DIY Documents: Generic online forms often have errors or don't comply with state law
- Failing to Update: Outdated estate plans can cause problems
- Not Funding Trusts: A trust only controls assets that are properly transferred to it
- Overlooking Digital Assets: Include online accounts, cryptocurrency, and digital property
- Ignoring Tax Consequences: Poor planning can result in unnecessary taxes
- Not Communicating: Let your executor and family know your plans exist
Why Choose Turner and Turner Law for Estate Planning?
- Personalized Plans: We create customized estate plans that reflect your unique situation and goals
- Comprehensive Service: We handle all aspects of estate planning and probate
- Clear Explanations: We explain complex legal concepts in understandable terms
- Attention to Detail: We ensure all documents are properly prepared and executed
- Ongoing Support: We're available to update your plan as your life changes