Lewes Estate Lawyer

When you are beginning the process of creating your will and planning out the details of your estate, an experienced Lewes estate attorney can help you ensure that no detail is overlooked.

Planning your estate can be quite complicated. There are seemingly endless details to consider. Whether you’re determining where your assets are going to be distributed, who your power of attorney will be, or how your estate will be handled after your death in general, it is important to make these decisions now so your assets don’t end up in the hands of someone appointed by the court system.

A Lewes estate lawyer at Barros, McNamara, Malkiewicz & Taylor will examine all of the aspects of your estate so that, when you eventually pass away, your family and friends will be able to grieve without the burden of wondering how your assets will be divided.

When Your Estate Goes Through Probate

Nearly everyone has at least heard of probate, but few people understand how it is relevant to your assets when you die. Probate is meant to prevent fraud and pay off any remaining debts you might have before your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries.

The executor assigned to your estate will use your assets to pay off any old bills or taxes and place a monetary value on your assets. He or she will then distribute your assets based on the details of your will.

Not every estate will have to go through probate, however. Yours will need to go through probate if your total assets are more than $30,000 or if you are a property owner. An estate attorney in Lewes can help you understand the entire process fully so you can make informed decisions to benefit your loved ones.

Writing Your Will

Your last will and testament allows you to designate which items will be given to which family members and friends upon your passing. It also can contain information about who will be responsible for your minor children and your remaining property and establish the person who will be the executor of your estate.

Having a will can help your estate go through probate much more quickly. If you do not have a will when you die, the court will decide which close family members will be given your remaining assets. If the court is unable to find any close family members, then the state may take control of your estate.

Designate a Healthcare Proxy and Power of Attorney

One of the key components to estate planning is naming a healthcare proxy and power of attorney. The healthcare proxy will be responsible for making medical decisions for you should you no longer be able to. In conjunction with the healthcare proxy, it is often wise to fill out an advanced directive, which will state which life-sustaining measures you would like to be taken should you become gravely ill.

Similar to the healthcare proxy, your durable power of attorney will be responsible for making decisions for you when you become unable to do so. However, these decisions will have to do with your finances and assets—not medical decisions.

If this all seems complicated and difficult, it’s because it is. Luckily, an estate lawyer in Lewes can advise you every step of the way.

Talk to a Lewes Estate Attorney

If you finally made the decision to begin planning your estate but you aren’t sure where to begin, consult with a qualified lawyer at Barros, McNamara, Malkiewicz & Taylor. We can help you ensure that all of the important details are covered.

Take a few seconds of your day to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Lewes estate lawyer. You can take advantage of this opportunity by giving our office a call at 302-734-8400 or filling out the quick contact form below.