04/26/2023
WHY I PRACTICE ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE
For many attorneys deciding what areas of law to practice is a difficult decision. I struggled with this question for some time. As a licensed legal intern I worked in family law, criminal defense, and landlord-tenant law. When I became an attorney, I wasn’t sure where to focus my energy. My first two years I practiced family law, criminal defense, and estate planning before realizing that family law and criminal defense were not good fits for me long-term. It was time to narrow my focus and get well versed in a narrower field of practice. So after much research and discussion with colleagues, I settled on estate planning and probate law.
I enjoy this practice immensely because it allows me to problem solve. Estate planning lets me guide clients through the process of deciding how to distribute their assets when they pass away. I consider it an honor to assist people with such important decisions. Complex estate planning is like a puzzle where in order to solve it, I must determine how best to get assets A, B, and C to heirs 1, 2, and 3, all without incurring more taxes than absolutely necessary. I think it's fun!
And I equally enjoy probate because it’s rewarding to guide family members and friends through the process of settling the affairs of a loved one. Often, those left in charge of estate administration are still grieving the loss of their loved one, and I can ease their burden by taking on the legal aspects of the estate administration and guiding them through their roles.
In addition to basic wills and revocable living trusts, I draft documents such as deeds, community property agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, powers of attorney, and litigate TEDRA actions (Trust & Estate Dispute Resolution Act). Every day is different, and I get to work with a variety of clients on an array of legal issues.
If you have questions about estate planning or probate, you can book a free phone call or consultation by visiting www.truenorthlegalservices.com.
