estate planning

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• Wills
• Will Contests
• Living Wills
• Estate and Trust Administration
• Estate Tax
• Inheritance Tax
• Fiduciary Responsibilities
• Powers of Attorney
• Succession Planning

 

Wills

A will is a document by which a person directs his or her estate to be distributed upon death. The estate planning attorneys at Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP listen to their clients' wishes and advise them on the best courses of action to ensure their will is adjudged in accordance with the client's wishes. Regardless of the size of the estate, don't leave this important decision to the courts. Tax laws change frequently and/or sunset provisions set without notice. Your final business transaction shouldn't be left to fate; let our attorneys be there for your family after you're gone.
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Will Contests

Will contests usually arise when there is a dispute or litigation of a will because of allegations that the person who executed the will, the testator, lacked capacity or was subject to undue influence. Oftentimes, these situations are even more traumatic because they are linked to the death of a loved one and involve other family members. Having an attorney who is familiar with estate planning, wills and trusts will ensure that your arguments are heard by the court. Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP estate planning attorneys have extensive knowledge and skills necessary to represent you through this very difficult process.
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Living Wills

Our estate planning attorneys are knowledgeable of the laws by which a person wishes to refuse medical treatment and to release healthcare providers from all liability if the person becomes terminally ill or unable to communicate. Also known as an Advance Directive, this very important document must be constructed in accordance with the laws of the state and in accordance with the client's desires. Don't leave this highly emotional decision to family members to make at a time when their emotions may or may not be in alignment with your wishes. Our estate planning attorneys can advise you on all of the options legally available to you and then craft a directive that will ensure that your wishes are carried out as you direct and that family members don't have to make such an emotional decision that will rest with them long after you are gone.
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Estate and Trust Administration

When a will fails to name an executor or a person to oversee the management and distribution of one's estate, the court may appoint an attorney to serve in this capacity. Likewise, many who are named executors in the will do not wish to perform these duties and may seek permission from the court to have an attorney oversee the process. The estate planning attorneys at Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP handle these matters routinely and can do so in an efficient and cost effective manner. We stand ready to help during these difficult times.
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Estate Tax

Estate or inheritance tax is the tax imposed upon the property transferred by a will or by intestate (without a valid will) succession. Also known as a "death tax," this governmental infringement upon what was accumulated over a lifetime or even generations can dramatically alter the dreams of the deceased and his or her family. Don't leave such an important consideration to chance. Get the facts and take the necessary actions to minimize the amount the government diverts from your family and rightful heirs. The estate planning attorneys at Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP are very well versed in tax law and can help you navigate a minefield that can devastate the heirs of an estate.
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Inheritance Tax

See Estate Tax
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Fiduciary Responsibilities

Whomever is responsible for the oversight in the management and distribution of another person's property or monies has certain fiduciary or good faith responsibilities to the estate. In most instances, the fiduciary responsibility rests with the executor of the estate. Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP estate planning attorneys are called upon often to assist the executor in the administration of these duties or to advise the executor in matters associated with the executor's fiduciary responsibilities.
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Powers of Attorney

When you need an instrument crafted which will grant someone authority to act as your agent or attorney-in-fact, contact one of the firm's estate planning attorneys to craft the specific type of document you need. Whether it's a durable power of attorney, a general power of attorney, an irrevocable power of attorney or a special power of attorney, the estate planners at Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP will meet with you to determine your needs and create the power of attorney which will grant someone else the authority to carry out your wishes.
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Succession Planning

Succession planning involves all matters that relate to the act of ensuring that a business is taken over or acquired by the person or entity to whom you wish it to pass. Too often, individuals fail to plan for this very important continuum in their business planning, and valuable time and resources have to be diverted to deal with matters following the withdrawal or death of a business principal. At Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP our business attorneys and estate planning attorneys work closely together to ensure each is kept abreast of the latest trends and up to date with tax laws to ensure that financial disruptions are minimized and that the business continues to operate in an efficient and profitable manner.
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