Laura W Patton

I enjoy working with individuals and couples to plan their estates and especially their wishes for management of their affairs if they should suffer a serious injury or after death. Representation includes discussion of issues such as protection from the expense and publicity of probate, guardianship for minor children, estate tax and income tax considerations, selecting fiduciaries for financial management, and appropriate beneficiary forms and practical tips to carry out the estate plan.

I draft Living Trusts as an integral part of most estate plans, and I advise trustees on fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities when administering Living Trusts and irrevocable trusts. I also assist my clients after a member of the family has died, to efficiently transfer assets to the beneficiaries and comply with state and federal laws.

I draft Wills and Advance Health Care Directives as integral components of complete estate plans. I work closely with clients to determine and document their wishes for medical treatment at the end of life so that families have clear direction in a variety of medical scenarios.