Estate Planning and Probate

Have you made your will?
Do you believe things are being handled unfairly in your family member's Estate?
Do you need a trust for your loved ones?

Fortunato, Knobbe, Davenport & Arnold has substantial experience in planning for the distribution of a person's property at his/her death - Estate Planning, and includes preparing wills and trusts. We take into consideration taxes, insurance, and property so as to gain the maximum benefit of all laws and, at the same time, carry out your wishes.

It's important to know that writing a will doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. And once it's done, you can rest a little easier, knowing that your wishes will be followed after your death.

A Power-of-Attorney is a legal instrument that is used to delegate legal authority to another. The person who signs a Power of Attorney is called the Principal. The power of Attorney gives legal authority to another person the Principal designates (called an Agent or Attorney-in-Fact) to make property, financial and other legal decisions for the Principal. A Principal can give his/her Agent broad legal authority, or very limited authority. The Power of Attorney is frequently used to help in the event of a Principal's illness or disability, or in legal transactions where the principal cannot be present to sign necessary legal documents.

Probate is the court proceeding through which a will is proved to be valid and the property of the deceased is administered. The process includes collecting the deceased's assets, paying their bills, paying necessary taxes, and distribution of property to their heirs.

Fortunato, Knobbe, Davenport & Arnold will help you plan your estate or administer the estate of a deceased family member.