Benton Will & Trust Lawyers

Seek Knowledgeable Legal Guidance from Levanti Law

It’s not easy to predict the future, and that is why taking the time to address what will happen to your family when you die or are unable to manage your own affairs is so important. The decisions you make today will impact the lives of your loved ones by protecting assets and providing financial security after your passing. At Levanti Law, our dedicated will and trust attorneys in Benton are ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have, so reach out to us today.

Call Levanti Law at (618) 717-4409 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you. We serve Benton, Franklin County, and the surrounding areas.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that sets forth your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and the care of any minor children. It is important that you plan ahead because your heirs may be forced to spend additional time, money, and emotional energy to settle any outstanding affairs after your passing.

To ensure that your wishes will be carried out, it is often best to create what is known as a testamentary will, which is the most familiar and legally recognized type of will. In a testamentary will, you will dictate how your assets are being dispersed and sign it in the presence of witnesses. This type of will is arguably the best insurance that your wishes will be enacted after your death.

Don’t Forget to Create a Living Will

Even though it doesn’t have anything to do with distribution of assets, it is still important to make a living will. This type of will lists your wishes for medical care in the event you should be incapacitated. A living will may include your decision about whether to resuscitate or prolong life using life support. While this isn’t part of the will itself, it can be attached as an addendum in case of a life-threatening medical emergency.

What Is a Trust? How do they work? How would a trust benefit me?

These are common questions. A Trust is like a Will. However, a Trust exists and operates during your lifetime. A Trust owns assets such as land, financial accounts, life insurance policies, etc. The trustee is bound by law to use the assets for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries.

A Trust can be revocable or irrevocable. A trust can be set up for grantor’s own benefit to provide privacy during the administration of the trust estate. Asset protection trusts can be set up to ensure a legacy for children, grandchildren, or charity. Special needs trusts can be set so that disabled beneficiaries can receive an inheritance and retain important government benefits, such as health insurance.

A will and trust attorney is most often needed:

• To arrange a will, trust, or other estate planning tool to protect your assets for children and other beneficiaries
• To get help when someone else’s will and/or estate is not in order, leaving behind problems and questions

When you work with our Benton wills and trusts attorneys, you can be confident that you will be able to:

• Choose the executor or trustee who will handle your estate after you have passed
• Provide for your immediate family’s future
• Minimize the cost of transferring your assets to the beneficiaries you’ve designated
• Get your property to beneficiaries quickly
• Plan for the possibility of you becoming mentally and/or physically incapacitated
• Describe your wishes regarding your burial and funeral

Call Levanti Law for Personalized Counsel

At Levanti Law, we are committed to providing exceptional care and help regarding difficult estate planning issues, including those stemming from the creation or execution of wills and trusts. We will ensure your case is handled with the personalized attention and quality it deserves.

Reach out to us today at (618) 717-4409 for a consultation.