Lois G Andrews

We help clients plan for the possibility of future incapability by preparing powers of attorney, health care directives, living wills and trusts. We also help plan for the needs of client's families by creating appropriate Wills and trusts to reduce estate taxes, avoid or simplify probate, administer assets, including trusts for beneficiaries who are young or otherwise ill-equipped to handle their own assets, smooth the transfer business interests, and to attain their charitable goals.

Regardless of whether the Will is the primary dispositive instrument or a trust has been established and funded, it is necessary to pay the bills of the estate and/or trust and administer the property in accordance with the governing instrument. The process generally is somewhat simpler where a trust has been established and fully funded, since there is less probate court involvement, but the result of the administration should be the same.

We assist clients with the expense of long term care by helping our clients retain as much of their wealth as allowable in the circumstances and helping them apply for government assistance where appropriate. We prepare special needs trusts to administer assets for the benefit of loved ones who suffer from disabilities, while still allowing them to retain the benefits they rely upon. We help clients deal with probate court proceedings where a conservator is appointed for an incapable person.

We assist clients in the negotiation and preparation of contracts of sale and in the closing process for both residential and commercial real estate and for the purchase or sale of a business. We also verify ownership and assist clients with other real estate issues such as boundary disputes and zoning and subdivision issues.