Lexington’s Premier Estate Planning Lawyer
One of the best gifts you can give your loved ones is a carefully prepared will and other estate planning opportunities. Attending to the details in advance can save your family considerable future stress, confusion, conflict, and cost. At Fowler Bell PLLC, our estate planning lawyers help individuals and families prepare effective, personalized plans that safeguard assets and make the future clearer.
Contact our law firm today to learn more about estate planning or get started on creating a plan. (859)-252-6700
Estate Planning & Administration Services in Lexington, KY
Our estate planning lawyers work closely with you to create a plan tailored to your unique situation and goals. Waiting too long to plan can create confusion, stress, or added cost for your family later on. An estate planning lawyer ensures your legal documents are drafted correctly and that your wishes are honored. Our services include:
- Wills – Wills are legal documents that dictate how the will owner’s property/assets are handled.
- Trusts Trusts are fiduciary arrangements wherein a grantor gives a trustee the right to hold property or assets.
- Powers of attorney – A Power of attorney is a legal document giving an individual the legal power to act and make decisions on behalf of another person.
- Advance directives – Advance directives are written statements regarding a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment. They often include a living will.
- Special Needs Trusts – Provide long-term support for a family member with special needs.
- Probate & Estate Litigation – Skilled representation through the estate administration process and related disputes.
What to Know As an Executor Of an Estate
As executor of an estate, you are responsible for administering the estate of a deceased person. The key to being an executor is staying organized. It can be a difficult task, so staying on top of the needs is important. Important executor responsibilities include:
- Determining whether probate is necessary
- Identifying and settling debts
- Organizing and distributing estate assets
- Communicating with beneficiaries and the court
If you have been named the executor of a loved one’s estate, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal requirements and uncertain about your responsibilities. Our firm’s experience in overlapping areas of practice allows us to offer comprehensive counsel. Let Fowler Bell provide the knowledgeable guidance and assistance you require.
How Fowler Bell Can Help
At Fowler Bell PLLC, our estate planning lawyers bring decades of experience to help you build a comprehensive plan that meets your family’s needs. We work with individuals at all stages of life, offering practical legal advice and customized strategies for protecting what matters most. With our knowledgeable estate planning lawyers by your side, you can have confidence that your goals and wishes will be understood and upheld.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
Many people begin thinking about estate planning around the time when they plan to retire. However, you should start your estate planning anytime you want your assets and loved ones protected in the event of your incapacitation or death. It is best to begin planning as a young adult and continue to revise your plan as your circumstances change.
If you pass away without an established and valid will or trust in place, your estate will have to go through the probate process. Probate is the legal process in which the probate court chooses someone to administer your estate and determines how your estate will be distributed based on Kentucky probate laws. To ensure your assets are distributed based on your wishes and to avoid the costs and lengthy process of probate, we always recommend having a will or trust in place.
A will is a legal document that appoints an executor (someone who administers your estate) and details how you would like your estate distributed upon your death. A living will, on the other hand, can also address how your desired end-of-life decisions are made. For example, you can decide whether you want a DNR (do not resuscitate) order in place.
Talk to a Top Estate Planning Attorney in Lexington
If you would like to begin planning for the future or need help revising an established plan, our estate planning lawyers can help. To set up a consultation about any estate planning or estate administration matter, call our office at (859)-252-6700 today!