Knowledgeable Lexington Lawyer Helps You Preserve Your Legacy

Skilled attorney provides sound advice on estates, wills and probate in Kentucky

Creating a carefully thought-out estate plan is one of the best decisions you can make to protect your family. At the Law Office of Roland P. Merkel, I help clients draft comprehensive wills, advance directives, and powers of attorney for estates of all sizes. I work closely with you to ensure your estate plan accurately conveys your last wishes. Whether you need help drafting or updating an existing estate plan, or probating a will, I guide you through the process with patience and consideration.

Creating an optimal estate plan

Estate plans are important no matter the size of your estate. If you die without a will in Kentucky, your estate will be subject to the state’s intestacy laws, which control distribution of your assets. By creating a comprehensive estate plan, you remain in control and have the peace of mind that your wishes will be honored. These are some of the steps I use to help ensure your heirs receive their rightful inheritance:

• Determine your net worth
• Review the financial needs of your family
• Name a trusted person as guardian for your minor children or an incapacitated adult
• Assess whether you benefit most from having a revocable living trust
• Create an advance directive in case you become incapacitated
• Create applicable Powers of Attorney

An effective estate plan must be both clear and detailed. I ensure your will is well-written, accurate, and easily interpreted. A clearly drafted estate plan can prevent will contests and help defuse any ill will that might follow by reason of post-death family feud.

The importance of updating your will and estate documents

Creating a will is the first step in any estate plan. However, for your estate plan to protect your heirs and your legacy, your will and estate documents must be updated so that they are current. I can help you update your will and estate documents, and review your life insurance and disability insurance policies so they reflect and meet the needs of your current circumstances. A few events that should trigger a will and estate document alteration include:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• New baby
• Children attaining adulthood
• Stepchildren
• Common law marriage
• New partner
• New or changed business ventures
• Purchase or sale of major assets or properties
• One’s own inheritance of assets from another

Every major life event has the potential to change your list of beneficiaries and heirs. At my law office, I can help you modify your will and estate documents to mirror your situation and ensure your last wishes will be fulfilled.

Experienced estate planning lawyer handles probate

Probate is the process of validating a will and carrying out the directions it contains. If you are tasked with being the executor, administrator, or personal representative of an estate, you may find the probate process difficult, especially if the decedent was a loved one whose death has taken an emotional toll. As an experienced probate lawyer, I can guide you through the process to ensure assets are accounted for, proper debt claims are paid, beneficiaries are properly notified, and the estate settled efficiently and timely.

Contact an experienced estate planning lawyer in Lexington, KY today

The Law Office of Roland P. Merkel offers comprehensive will, probate and related estate planning counsel. Please call 859-263-1123 or contact my firm online to arrange a free 20-minute initial consultation to discuss your case with me at my Lexington office today.