Estate Planning and Probate

Wills

In estate planning, Jenkins Law assists clients in creating legally sound wills. They provide expert guidance to draft wills that accurately reflect clients’ wishes regarding the distribution of assets, guardianship of minor children, and other key matters. Their role ensures the wills are legally valid, effectively expressing the client’s intentions and safeguarding their legacy.

Trusts

In estate planning, Jenkins Law plays a pivotal role in establishing trusts. They work closely with clients to create trusts tailored to specific needs and goals. This includes revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and others intending to preserve and manage assets, minimizing estate taxes, and ensuring the efficient transfer of wealth to beneficiaries.

Jenkins Law will help clients set up trusts to:

  1. Protect assets from probate and minimize estate taxes.
  2. Provide for the efficient transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
  3. Ensure management of assets in case of incapacity.
  4. Facilitate charitable giving or legacy planning.

Probate

A probate case is a legal proceeding after a person passes away. It involves the formal process of settling the deceased person’s estate, which includes distributing their assets, paying off debts and taxes, and ensuring that the remaining property goes to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries according to the deceased person’s will or, if there is no will, according to state law.

In a probate case, Jenkins Law will provide a range of essential legal services, including:
Estate Administration: They will assist in managing the deceased person’s estate, ensuring that assets are appropriately accounted for, debts are addressed, and the estate is administered in compliance with the law.

  • Document Review: Jenkins Law will review all relevant documents, including the deceased person’s will (if available) and any related legal instruments, to ensure they are valid and accurate.
  • Court Representation: They will represent their client’s interests in probate court proceedings, advocating for their rightful share of the estate or protecting their interests as executors or beneficiaries.
  • Asset Distribution: The law firm will oversee the orderly distribution of assets to beneficiaries, following the terms of the will or applicable state laws of intestacy.
  • Debt Settlement: They will assist in settling outstanding debts and tax obligations from the estate’s assets, ensuring that creditors’ claims are properly addressed.
  • Legal Challenges: In cases of legal disputes or challenges to the will, Jenkins Law will provide legal counsel and representation to protect their client’s interests.
  • Court Filings: They will handle all necessary legal filings, documentation, and court appearances on behalf of their clients.