Estate Planning

 

Estate planners aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy—they’re for anyone who wants peace of mind about the future. If you’re curious, McIntyre Law PC can walk you through what a basic estate plan might look like or help you explore whether you need a trust or just a will. Want to dive deeper? An estate planner is like a financial architect for your legacy—designing a blueprint to protect your assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored.

 

Here's a breakdown of what they do:

Core Responsibilities of an Estate Planner

 

 Asset Management & Distribution

  • Help clients organize and structure their assets for smooth transfer after death

  • Create wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to reflect personal wishes

  • Ensure plans are legally sound and tailored to family dynamics

 

Tax Strategy & Wealth Preservation

  • Advise on estate and inheritance tax minimization

  • Use tools like gifting strategies, charitable donations, and trusts to reduce liabilities

  • Stay current with changing tax laws to keep plans compliant

 

 Planning for Incapacity

  • Set up powers of attorney and healthcare directives in case of disability

  • Ensure someone trusted can make financial and medical decisions if needed

 

Collaboration & Legal Coordination

  • Work alongside attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors

  • Coordinate complex plans involving business succession, real estate, or international assets

  • Ongoing Review & Updates

    • Revisit plans after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, etc.)

    • Adjust strategies to reflect new laws or financial goals

     

 

Probate Planning

A probate planner—often a probate attorney or estate professional—guides families through the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate. Think of them as the calm in the storm when emotions run high and legal complexities pile up. A probate planner doesn’t just handle paperwork—they help protect your legacy and reduce stress during a difficult time.

Want help understanding how probate works in your state or whether you can skip it altogether? We've got you covered.

 

What a Probate Planner Does

 

Validates the Will

  • Ensures the will is legally recognized by the court

  • Handles disputes if the will is contested or unclear

Manages Estate Assets

  • Helps inventory and appraise property, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings

  • Advises on how to handle jointly owned or non-probate assets

 

 Settles Debts and Taxes

  • Notifies creditors and pays outstanding debts

  • Files final income and estate tax returns

  • Minimizes tax liabilities through strategic planning

Distributes Assets to Heirs

  • Ensures assets are distributed according to the will or state law

  • Resolves conflicts among beneficiaries if they arise

Provides Legal Guidance

  • Explains probate laws and court procedures

  • Supports executors and administrators in fulfilling their duties

  • Helps avoid costly mistakes and delays

Why You Might Need One

The estate includes complex assets like businesses or real estate

    • There are disputes among heirs

    • The executor lives out of state

    • You want to avoid probate altogether through trusts or other tools

    A probate planner doesn’t just handle paperwork—they help protect your legacy and reduce stress during a difficult time. Want help understanding how probate works in your state or whether you can skip it altogether? We've got you covered.