Estate Planning

Estate Planning Law

Who Needs Estate Planning? There are many reasons why everyone should consider estate planning. Ask yourself four questions:

1. Who will inherit your assets?
2. Who will handle your financial affairs if you're ever incapacitated?
3. Who will make medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself?
4. Who will become the guardians of your children upon your death?

Unless you want the State of Tennessee to make these decisions for you then you need estate planning and you will want the support and knowledge of the Estate Planning law firm of Ingraham Pautienus & Tidwell. We will provide you with the background and detailed information you need to assure that your desires are met and we will assist you in creating the estate plan you want and need.

What Are The Elements of a Good Estate Plan? There are three to four vital elements in any basic estate plan: a will; durable power of attorney; advance care plan, and healthcare power of attorney). For some people, not just the wealthy, a trust may also make sense. Trusts come in a variety of forms and can be established to address many different situations, including caring for children, special needs, business succession planning, Medicaid, etc. We will guide you in determining the appropriate estate planning instruments for you based on your personal circumstances.

The federal and state laws relating to trust administration and probate are complex and the applicable tax laws change often. It makes sense to have the most current legal advice available. At Ingraham Pautienus & Tidwell, our attorneys remain current in the latest Tennessee and Federal laws as well as proposed changes to these laws. We advise our clients how best to handle the constantly changing estate tax laws. This is an important advantage when working with our firm. For example, although the federal estate tax was phased out completely in 2010 it was only for a year, Congress passes the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 in December, 2010, creating a new estate tax system that is in place until December 31, 2012. In working with clients, we are crafting estate plans that address these changes and the fluctuating nature of estate tax laws.

We Will Help You Protect Your Assets, Your Spouse & Your Family!

Your assets may include your retirement savings, investments, insurance policies, and real estate or business interests. We will assist you in preparing an inventory of all your assets and plans for their distribution in such a way as to reduce your estate, inheritance and gift taxes and to distribute these assets to your heirs as you desire. Through the proper legal vehicle, you can also name guardians for your children. A good estate plan can also protect any inheritance that you pass on to your heirs from any creditors to whom they owe money.

Contact Us

For more information about your legal concern, contact us, at Ingraham Pautienus & Tidwell, PLLC for a free initial consultation. Our firm represents businesses throughout Middle Tennessee.