Estate planning focuses on the orderly management and disposition of an individual’s assets during lifetime as well as upon death, with consideration of the impact of such wealth transfer on future generations. At Morris, Hall & Kinghorn, we believe there is no such thing as a typical client or set of circumstances when it comes to estate planning. Our approach is designed to develop a thorough understanding of your concerns and desires, and to make you fully aware of your options in preparing an estate plan that carefully addresses a wide variety of individual needs and concerns while minimizing taxation and potential for conflict.

Basic estate planning is usually the first step in the planning process. It always begins with an evaluation of the client’s objectives and family and economic situation. We advise our clients about alternative methods of holding title, such as community property versus separate property, the use of revocable living trusts, the advantages and disadvantages of joint tenancy, and the appropriate use of specific business entities. After working together with the client to develop an appropriate plan, we prepare the necessary documentation needed to implement it. This is likely to include revocable living trusts and powers of attorney for property management and health care.

Even at this level, however, no one plan is right for everyone. We are especially sensitive to the needs of clients with special children, blended families, privately held assets, non-citizen family members and other significant circumstances, and we apply our experience in accommodating a wide variety of situations. We also strive to minimize future controversy. We know that clear expressions of our clients’ intent in their estate planning documents can avoid ambiguity and deter later challenges to the plan.