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Chattanooga Estate Planning Lawyer
Compassionate and Effective Planning for End-of-Life Decisions
Many people are under the impression that only the wealthy have reason to create a will and plan their estates. The reality is that anyone with assets, no matter how large or small, such as a house or a life insurance policy, should ensure their family is protected for the future. By planning ahead, you can ease the burden placed on loved ones while you are ill, incapacitated or after your passing.
Attorney Angela C. Larkins, in Chattanooga, provides comprehensive estate planning counsel to individuals across the state of Tennessee. She understands that planning for end-of-life distribution of property or care of minor children can be difficult. In addition to the emotional challenges, the strategies available can be complex and confusing. She will listen carefully to your concerns and make certain that you have a full understanding of your options. Contact attorney Larkins to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Individualized Estate Planning
Attorney Larkins understands that you want to develop a thoughtful and thorough plan that will minimize the burden on your loved ones by clearly establishing instructions for the distribution of your assets, as well as designating decision-making power, should you become unable to make decisions for yourself. She will begin by listening to you and learning about your individual situation and concerns. She will help you identify all of your assets and obligations, as well as your goals. Next, she will thoroughly explain the different strategies for asset protection and the distribution of property, including the use of documents such as wills and trusts, the re-titling of assets, and lifetime gifting.
Once you have decided on the most appropriate course of action, attorney Larkins will prepare the documents necessary to establish and implement your estate plan, including
- Wills. A will is a document that identifies how your property will be distributed after your death. The terms of the will become effective once the will is verified by the probate court.
- Revocable Living Trusts. With a trust, you create a separate legal entity that takes ownership of your property. Upon your death, there is no transfer of ownership, as the trust still exists and still owns the property. A properly-established trust can be an effective way to avoid the probate process altogether.
- Durable Powers of Attorney. Durable powers of attorney allow for the legal transfer of decision-making authority upon death or disability, providing you with the ability to designate who will manage your assets if you cannot.
- Durable Powers of Attorney for Healthcare (also known as medical powers of attorney). This estate planning tool lets you designate who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. You can provide instructions for specific medical circumstances, including your wishes regarding resuscitation, CPR and the use of feeding tubes.
- Living Wills. A living will documents your wishes regarding life-sustaining measures, including feeding and breathing apparatuses.
Comprehensive Estate Planning
Estate planning involves much more than the division of your property. If you have minor children, who will care for them in the event of your death? How much of the estate you have built for your loved ones will be lost to taxes? Attorney Larkins can help you establish a guardianship for your minor children and can help you set up trusts or other instruments to ensure that their financial needs are met. With her extensive financial background, she can work with you and your accountant to establish trusts or other legal vehicles to minimize the tax burden on your estate.
For thorough and compassionate estate planning counsel, call or contact attorney Angela C. Larkins. Her office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am until 5 pm. Evening, weekend and in-home consultations are available by appointment. Attorney Larkins offers reasonable rates, and Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
ANGELA C. LARKINS
Attorney-at-Law
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
701 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 105
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: (423) 648-6622
Fax: (866) 359-9811
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