Wills & Probate Law

Securing Your Legacy and Guiding Your Loved Ones with Volkert & Dalton

Planning for the future and ensuring your loved ones are cared for after your passing are profound responsibilities. At Volkert & Dalton Law Firm, we understand the sensitivity and importance of Wills & Probate matters. Our dedicated team provides expert legal counsel to help you create a comprehensive estate plan, navigate the complexities of probate, and ensure your final wishes are carried out with care, clarity, and legal precision.

Our Philosophy: Honoring Your Wishes, Providing Peace of Mind

Wills & Probate law involves intricate legal processes designed to manage and distribute assets after death. We approach these matters with a blend of legal expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep sense of empathy. Our commitment is to:

• Protect Your Legacy: We help you create robust estate plans that accurately reflect your wishes and protect the assets you’ve worked hard to build.
• Simplify Complex Processes: We demystify the probate process, guiding executors and beneficiaries through each step with clarity and support.
• Minimize Family Disputes: Through careful planning and clear documentation, we aim to prevent potential conflicts and ensure a smoother transition for your loved ones.
• Provide Compassionate Guidance: We understand that these matters often arise during times of grief, and we approach every client with sensitivity and understanding.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: We meticulously adhere to all relevant legal requirements, ensuring your estate is administered correctly and efficiently.

Our Comprehensive Wills & Probate Services

Volkert & Dalton Law Firm offers a full suite of legal services to address your estate planning and probate needs:

1. Estate Planning:

• Last Will and Testament:
  • Drafting: We assist in creating clear, legally sound Wills that outline your wishes for asset distribution, guardianship of minor children, and the appointment of an executor.
  • Review and Updates: We review existing Wills to ensure they remain relevant and compliant with current laws, recommending updates as your circumstances change.
• Trusts:
  • Establishing Trusts: We advise on and establish various types of trusts, including:
    • Revocable Living Trusts: To manage assets during your lifetime and avoid probate.
    • Irrevocable Trusts: For asset protection, tax planning, and charitable giving.
    • Special Needs Trusts: To provide for beneficiaries with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
    • Trust Administration: Assisting trustees in managing and distributing trust assets according to the trust’s terms.
• Powers of Attorney:
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs): Preparing LPAs for both financial affairs and health and welfare, allowing trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
• Advance Healthcare Directives / Living Wills: Documenting your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care.
• Beneficiary Designations: Advising on the critical importance of coordinating beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, pensions, and other accounts with your overall estate plan.

2. Probate and Estate Administration:

• Applying for a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration: Guiding executors through the process of obtaining the necessary legal authority from the court to administer an estate.
• Identifying and Valuing Assets: Assisting in the meticulous process of identifying, valuing, and securing all assets of the deceased.
• Settling Debts and Liabilities: Managing the notification of creditors, processing valid claims, and settling outstanding debts of the estate.
• Tax Compliance: Ensuring the accurate preparation and filing of all relevant tax returns, including Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Income Tax.
• Distribution of Assets: Facilitating the orderly distribution of assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or the laws of intestacy.
• Estate Account Closure: Completing all necessary steps to formally close the estate administration with the court.

3. Intestacy (Dying Without a Will):

• Navigating Intestacy Rules: Advising individuals on how assets are distributed under the laws of intestacy when a person dies without a valid Will, and assisting with the administration process.
• Identifying Heirs: Helping to formally identify and confirm the rightful beneficiaries under intestacy rules.

4. Challenges to Wills and Estates:

• Will Contests: Representing beneficiaries or interested parties who wish to challenge the validity of a Will based on grounds such as undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, or improper execution.
• Defending Wills: Providing robust legal defence for the validity of a Will when it is contested.
• Estate Disputes: Resolving disagreements among beneficiaries or executors regarding the administration of an estate.

Why Choose Volkert & Dalton for Your Wills & Probate Needs?

Navigating Wills & Probate requires a firm that combines legal expertise with sensitivity and a commitment to your peace of mind. With Volkert & Dalton, you benefit from:

• Experienced Legal Advisors: Our solicitors are highly knowledgeable in Wills & Probate law, ensuring your plans are legally sound and your estate is administered correctly.
• Personalized Estate Planning: We take the time to understand your unique family situation, financial goals, and wishes to create a tailored estate plan.
• Efficient Probate Services: We manage the probate process with diligence and efficiency, alleviating the burden on grieving families.
• Clear and Empathetic Communication: We provide clear explanations and compassionate support throughout what can be a difficult time.
• A Commitment to Protecting Your Legacy: We are dedicated to ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are well provided for.

Secure Your Future, Honor Your Loved Ones

Planning for the future or managing the affairs of a loved one is a critical undertaking. Let Volkert & Dalton Law Firm provide the expert legal guidance and compassionate support you need to navigate these important matters with confidence and peace of mind.