Estate Planning, Probate & Trust
Approximately half of all Americans die without a will. Even fewer take simple measures during their lifetimes to preserve their wishes by planning their estates. At Lerma Law Office, we offer a variety of planning services designed to give you and your loved ones security and comfort.
Lerma Law Office, P.A. represents individuals, couples and families in their comprehensive estate law needs, in matters such as:
Wills
A will protects your loved ones by ensuring that you, not the court, will decide how to distribute your assets. Lerma Law Office will work closely with you to develop a will that provides for the care of your minor children, ensures smooth distribution of your estate, and provides security for your loved ones.
Trusts
Trusts and estate planning are not just for millionaires! Proper estate planning can reduce your tax burden during your lifetime and save your loved ones from other hassles and tax consequences and minimize court involvement in the settling of your estate. Our broad experience will help you to create trusts, plan for eldercare, avoid the probate process, and generally assist with all of your trust and estate planning needs.
Living Wills
We are experienced in creating living wills, health care proxies, and medical directives in conjunction with wills or separately. These documents ensure that your wishes will be carried out in the event you are unable to make your own medical decisions. We will help you create documents to reflect your wishes and needs.
Durable Power of Attorney
We can prepare a document that is designed to protect your assets in the event that you are no longer able to manage your affairs. You will be able to select the person you trust most to handle your sensitive matters.
Estate Litigation
Lerma Law Office offers clients representation recognized as being among the most distinguished, experienced, and successful in the litigation area. We bring our vast litigation experience to the area of estate disputes. Our lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the substantive law and unique procedures applicable to probate and trust disputes.
Probate
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person by paying all claims and distributing the remaining property according to the will. We have extensive experience interpreting the instructions of the deceased, advising the personal representative, and protecting the interests of heirs and other parties who may have claims against the estate.