OUR SERVICES

 Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning

Estate Planning is the process of putting your financial affairs in order and involves the counsel of professional advisors who are familiar with your goals, your concerns, your assets and your family structure. It can involve the services of a variety of professionals, including your estate planning lawyer, accountant, financial planner, life insurance advisor, banker or broker.

From my perspective estate planning involves creating a customized plan tailored to you and your family’s specific needs. Often this plan will include a pour-over will, living trust, the transferring of real and personal property assets during your lifetime and after death; structuring business, investment, and employee compensation arrangements; executing instruments incident to marriage or domestic partnership and dissolution; protecting and managing your estate in the event of incapacity or bankruptcy; planning for health care decision-making in the event of your incapacity. A well-structured estate plan may also include the inclusion of a special needs trusts or pet trusts. After reviewing your completed estate planning worksheet and discussing your particular planning objectives during a free consultation, we will make estate plan suggestions that best address you and your family’s particular needs.

Non-Litigation Probate and Trust Administration

The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult and stressful events in a person's lifetime. Given the details associated with settling an estate, the process may be overwhelming. 

At Robert D. Hess, A Professional Law Corporation I provide legal counsel to trustees, personal representatives and executors, and make the administration process as simple as possible. I also eliminate much of the burden associated with the administration of an estate by preparing any necessary court documents, transfer paperwork and estate tax returns. We provide assistance in the distribution of assets and funding of trusts.

Business Formation 

I provide legal advice and assistance when you are looking to establish a traditional business entity, non-profit organizations, professional business entities and charitable foundations. Family Limited Partnerships and Family Limited Liability Companies may also be estate planning devices you wish to consider.

Business Succession Planning

If you have an interest in a business, either the law or you will determine how that business interest will pass to someone else when there is a "triggering event" such as a sale, your incapacity, you decide to retire, withdraw from the business, become insolvent or die. I can help you create a plan to assist with an orderly transfer of your business.

 Buy-Sell Agreement

A buy-sell agreement can alleviate disputes that can arise between or among business owners when one owner dies or becomes incapacitated. It can provide for payments to the deceased or incapacitated owner's family without disrupting the ongoing business. I can assist you in drafting a proper Buy-Sell agreement.