Estates & Trusts

ESTATE & TRUST ADMINISTRATION
Administering the estate or trust of a family member or friend can seem overwhelming. The responsibilities of the personal representative and trustee may seem endless. We carefully shepherd our clients through estate and trust administrations – we explain the process, outline all the requirements and deadlines and provide assistance at every stage.

In instances where controversies develop among beneficiaries, fiduciaries and/or creditors, our responsiveness and sophisticated legal assistance can help to avoid time-consuming and expensive proceedings. When such a controversy cannot be resolved amicably, we will pursue all available legal remedies, including challenges to wills and revocable trusts, interpretation of wills, trusts and contracts, determination of the rights and responsibilities of trustees, beneficiaries and interested persons, and creditor disputes.

If an estate must be probated through a court process, we have a wealth of experience in preparing the necessary documents to be filed with the local probate court, work with financial institutions to re-title assets, prepare deeds, work with other professionals in valuing estate assets, and assist in paying creditors and beneficiaries.

ESTATE PLANNING
We recognize each client’s individuality and listen closely to our clients’ goals and questions, ask our own questions, and discuss the various options to accomplish our clients’ goals. We discuss planning for the disposition of assets upon death, naming someone to make medical and financial decisions in case of disability, minimizing estate taxes, and protecting assets for children and future generations. We also work closely with our clients’ accountants, financial advisors and insurance representatives to design personalized, multifaceted estate plans that reflects our clients’ unique situations, goals and values. Norm and Jessica prepare revocable living trusts, wills, financial powers of attorney, advance medical directives, irrevocable trusts, tax savings trusts, charitable trusts and foundations.

Business

Opening a new business can be a daunting process. We have guided many clients through appropriate business entity selection and formation, drafting governing documents and obtaining appropriate licenses. Often, businesses are faced with an array of issues that can arise at a moment’s notice, whether contracting, employment or liability-related. Jessica C. Prunty, Esq. has the experience to navigate this myriad of issues. She has established long-term attorney relationships with her business clients in industries ranging from light-industrial to food manufacturing to digital marketing.