South Jordan Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers

Create a Comprehensive Plan for Your Family’s Future

No one likes to think about their limited mortality – and as a result, many people choose to procrastinate their estate plan until it is too late. Although it isn’t always comfortable to discuss the end of your own life, it’s essential to have a comprehensive estate plan in place to protect the ones you love, and to ensure that the probate process runs smoothly after your death.

Our trusted team of South Jordan estate planning and probate attorneys are committed to making this process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. At Pearson Butler, we believe in helping people prepare for the future, relying on over 300 years of combined experience in estate planning and other legal matters in Salt Lake County. By collaborating on your estate plan now, you will find the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your legacy will be preserved for future generations.

We’re ready to help you craft a comprehensive planning strategy for your estate. Contact our South Jordan probate attorneys at (801) 683-5813 today for a consultation.

What Does Estate Planning Entail in Salt Lake County?

Many people do not realize that estate planning isn’t just about wills and trust, nor is it only for people with a high net-worth. Estate planning is the area of law that encompasses all decisions about the end-of-life, as well as advanced plans for illness and incapacity. Without an appropriate estate plan, it may be harder for your loved ones to make important decisions about your medical treatment or nursing care when you can no longer make those decisions for yourself.

Thus, a comprehensive estate plan can include any of the following services and steps:

• Writing a last will and testament (better known as “a will”) to define your final wishes
• Identifying an appropriate guardian for your children and setting aside resources for your spouse
• Creating trusts to protect your assets, both before and after your death
• Giving direction for healthcare needs, such as “do not resuscitate” order
• Naming those in charge of your affairs after incapacitation, through power of attorney (POA) documents

At Pearson Butler, we can also help with any of the following individual estate planning services:

• Estate and gift tax planning
• Powers of attorney
• Wills and trusts
• Business planning and asset protection
• Retirement planning (including Medicare and Medicaid)
• Trust administration
• Probate

Benefits of Creating an Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan offers numerous benefits that can provide peace of mind and financial security for both you and your loved ones. Here are some key advantages:

• Control Over Asset Distribution: An estate plan allows you to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed after your death. Without it, state laws will determine the distribution, which may not align with your wishes.
• Minimizing Taxes: Proper estate planning can help minimize the tax burden on your estate, ensuring that more of your assets go to your heirs rather than to the government.
• Avoiding Probate: An estate plan can help your estate avoid or minimize the probate process, which can be time-consuming, costly, and public. This ensures a quicker and more private distribution of assets.
• Protecting Beneficiaries: Estate planning can protect minor children or other beneficiaries who may not be capable of managing large inheritances. You can set up trusts to manage the distribution of assets over time.
• Managing Healthcare Decisions: By including a healthcare directive or living will in your estate plan, you can ensure that your medical care preferences are followed if you become incapacitated.
• Appointing Guardians: If you have minor children, an estate plan allows you to designate guardians for them, ensuring they are cared for by individuals you trust.
• Business Continuity: If you own a business, an estate plan can ensure that it continues to operate smoothly after your death, protecting the livelihoods of employees and maintaining its value.
• Avoiding Family Conflicts: Clearly outlining your wishes can reduce the potential for disputes among family members after your death, promoting harmony and preserving relationships.
• Charitable Giving: An estate plan can include provisions for charitable donations, allowing you to support causes that are important to you even after your death.
• Financial Security for Loved Ones: By planning for the future, you can ensure that your loved ones are financially secure, which can include setting up life insurance, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments to provide for them.
• Special Needs Planning: If you have a family member with special needs, an estate plan can ensure they receive the care and financial support they need without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
• Personal Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a plan in place can provide significant peace of mind, reducing stress and uncertainty about the future.

Skilled Guidance for Probate Proceedings and More

When someone passes away, their will – and most other aspects of their earthly estate – will go through a complex process known as “probate,” which is decided by the probate courts. Additionally, many matters related to incapacity and illness are also handled through probate court. Whether you are an estate administrator, an heir, a beneficiary, or an interested party in these proceedings, our South Jordan estate planning lawyers can help you navigate this process and offer sound guidance and insight.

Let us help you with estate planning or probate matters today. Call Pearson Butler at (801) 683-5813 for more information.