Estate Planning with Adler Estate Law
At Adler Estate Law, We Listen
At Adler Estate Law, we understand that estate planning is a deeply personal and sensitive matter. It involves not only legal complexities but also your aspirations, concerns, and the well-being of your loved ones. That’s why attorney Lisa Adler takes pride in being an attentive listener and providing services focused on your goals and priorities.
Our Estate Planning Process – In Five Steps
The estate planning process involves several steps aimed at creating a comprehensive plan to manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes in the event of your incapacity or passing. While the process will be customized to meet your specific needs, the following are the typical steps involved in estate planning:
1. Schedule a Meeting & Answer a Planning Questionnaire:
You’ll need to provide relevant information about your assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries. This includes details about real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, business interests, and any debts you owe.
2. Design Meeting:
The process begins with a Design Meeting with attorney Lisa Adler. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your personal and financial situation, family dynamics, goals, and concerns. Lisa will listen to your needs and explain the estate planning options available to you.
Analysis and Recommendations:
Based on the information you provide and your stated goals, the Lisa will assess your situation and recommend appropriate strategies. This may involve suggestions for wills, trusts, advance directive for healthcare, powers of attorney, funeral planning declaration, other estate planning documents. Those planning for the needs of minors will also need guardianship designations. Lisa will also make recommendations on beneficiary designations and advise on probate and nonprobate planning.
3. Drafting the Estate Plan:
Once Lisa has a clear understanding of your wishes, she will begin drafting the necessary legal documents. This may include a last will and testament, revocable or irrevocable trusts, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and more. These documents will outline how your assets should be managed and distributed and who will be responsible for making decisions on your behalf in case of incapacity.
4. Review and Approval:
You will have the opportunity to review the drafted estate plan to ensure it accurately reflects your wishes and goals. Any necessary changes can be made during this phase.
5. Execution of Documents:
Once you are satisfied with the estate plan, you will meet with Lisa to sign the documents in the presence of witnesses and a notary, as required by Indiana law.
Secure Access to Your Documents:
Adler Estate Law utilizes a secure client portal for your ongoing access to your legal documents.
Beneficiary Designations and Asset Titling:
The estate planning process may also involve reviewing and updating beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. Additionally, asset titling may need to be adjusted to align with the estate plan.
Regular Review and Updates:
Estate planning is not a one-time event. Life circumstances change, and so should your estate plan. It’s crucial to review and update your plan periodically or when significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or changes in financial situations.
Why Choose Adler Estate Law?
Attentive Consultations:
Lisa will sit with you for a one-on-one consultation, taking the time to understand your unique situation, family dynamics, financial goals, and any specific wishes you have for your estate plan.
Empathy and Understanding:
We recognize that estate planning can be an emotional experience. Lisa and her team approach each client with empathy, creating a supportive environment where you can comfortably express your concerns and wishes.
Personalized Solutions:
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in estate planning. Lisa will work closely with you to design a customized estate plan that aligns with your values and addresses your needs.
Clear Communication:
Legal jargon can be overwhelming, but Lisa and her team strive to communicate in clear and simple terms. We will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you understand the implications of every decision you make.
Transparent Advice:
Lisa provides honest and transparent advice. She will explain the potential risks and benefits of different estate planning options, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
Client-Centered Approach:
Lisa and her team believe that estate planning is not just about legal documents; it’s about people and their families. Our client-centered approach ensures that we take the time to listen to your needs, concerns, and aspirations, so we can design a plan that reflects your unique goals.
Comprehensive Services:
From simple wills to complex trusts and advanced healthcare directives, we offer a full range of estate planning services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our goal is to create a comprehensive plan that protects your assets, preserves your wealth, and ensures your wishes are carried out.