At Otte & Czajkowska, LLC, we understand that planning for the future can be challenging. It can be especially difficult to look beyond your own lifetime, and you may not even know where to start. Our experienced estate planning attorneys are equipped to help you create wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and other tools that help you protect your rights and assets and provide long-term security for your family. We will carefully explain what estate planning is, the differences between a will and a trust and tailor the estate plan to your specific needs.

When you choose our firm, you become an important part of our extended family. We not only take the time to talk with you but also to listen and learn about your financial goals and personal values. This allows us to assist you in recommending tools and strategies that address your specific circumstances.

Living Trust Or Revocable Trust

A living trust is often the foundation of a comprehensive estate plan. Living trusts are revocable, but there are many different types of trusts that can be used in your estate plan to protect your assets and to allocate them to your chosen beneficiaries. It also protects your estate from having to go through a probate court proceeding upon death, which can be costly and time consuming.

Wills

A Last Will and Testament forms a part of your estate plan and may be very basic if it is working in combination with a living trust or very comprehensive if it is a standalone document. A will names your executor and provides where your property should go upon your death; it may also serve to designate a guardian for your minor or disabled children.

Powers Of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to appoint another person who can make health care and financial decisions on your behalf in the event you cannot make them for yourself during your life. The importance of these documents is often overlooked but they can save you and your loved ones from having to go through a guardianship court proceeding in the event of incapacity or disability.