Professional Services
Meeting Your Needs
Lisa A. Nielson, LDA can help clients with preparing estate planning documents and can also assist in forms preparation for a variety of other legal documents. Take a look below to find out what she specializes in, and get in touch with any additional questions or to learn more.
WILLS & TRUSTS, AND AMENDMENTS
Wills and Trusts are both legal documents which enable a person to convey his/her wishes after he/she dies. Both documents give a person the ability to control the distribution of his/her personal assets after death. A Will must pass through probate which means that the probate court will oversee the administration of the Will. The probate court will determine if the Will is valid and make sure the estate is distributed the way the deceased person desired. If a person has any minor children a Will is the only way to nominate a guardian to raise children who are under the age of 18. If a guardian is not nominated, the court will appoint one. A custodian can also be designated in a Will who will manage the assets for the children until they reach any age between 18 to 25.
​
A Trust does not have to go through the probate process. A Trust passes outside of the probate court because the Trust owns the assets. This can save time and money for the beneficiaries and has the added benefit of remaining a private document. A Trust takes effect as soon as it is created and funded while a Will only takes effect after the person is deceased. This allows a person the ability to distribute assets before death, at death, or afterward. A trust also has the flexibility to allow for specific provisions of the Trust to be changed without changing the terms of the Trust through an amendment.
​
(*Information cited from Investopedia and other resources)
​
​
REAL PROPERTY TRANSFERS - DEEDS & DOCUMENTATION
Deeds are important documents by which a person can transfer ownership of real property. Documentation is required whenever a person enters into an agreement for real property. Situations that would require carefully drawn up papers would include: co-ownership agreements, the gifting of all or partial interest, a completed living trust, or inheriting property. These documents must contain several essential elements to be legally valid. This usually includes a current title status check and obtaining the legal description of the property. When recording real property it is important that the documents are drawn up properly to ensure the title transfers accurately.
​
(*Information cited from Investopedia and other resources)
​
​
RECORDER AND ASSESSOR'S OFFICE FORMS
There are accompanying recorder's and assessor's office forms that need to be prepared along with affidavits and deeds for recording against real property. It is important the forms are filled out properly or your deed might be rejected or subject to property tax reassessment.
ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES
An Advanced Health Care Directive is a document that allows you to have an agent to make health care decisions for you. If you become incapacitated or are unable to communicate, the agent who is designated in the document, will be allowed to instruct the healthcare professionals on the types of medical treatment or tests you want or prefer. It also give the agent access to medical records so that he/she has the ability to act according to your wishes. In addition, it can provide for end-of-life care options such as, artificial nutrition and/or hydration along with other life-sustaining procedures. The document also addresses your wishes on organ and tissue donations. Funeral arrangements can also be stated which can alleviate some of the pressures of loved ones taking care of your estate. Anyone 18 and older can have an Advanced Health Care Directive.
(*Information cited from the Mayo Clinic and National Institute on Aging)
​
FINANCIAL DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY
A Financial Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives authority to a person (called an agent or attorney-in-fact) to handle financial transactions on another person's behalf (referred to as the principal). If the principal is unable or unavailable to make decisions, the agent is given the ability to make short or long-term decisions on the principal's behalf.
​
The agent can be granted either broad legal authority or limited authority. Broad legal authority grants the agent authority to conduct all financial matters and includes the ability to make legal decisions about finances and property. The person or professional chosen for this position should be trustworthy, honest, and reputable. Limited authority restricts the authority given to the agent in regards to allowing them to make legal decisions and may be used for specific and limited purposes.
​
(*Information cited from Investopedia and other resources)
​
​
​
The information on this site is for your general information only. It does NOT constitute legal advice; it should NOT substitute for legal advice; it should NOT substitute for legal advice from an attorney familiar with your specific situation. Use of this information is at your own risk. Lisa A. Nielson, LDA specifically disclaims any liability resulting from your use of the contents of this website.
​
​
​
Contact me today for more details about the services I offer.