ESTATE PLANNING
Whether you need a will, a trust, or advance directives, I’ll guide you through each step with clarity and care. Together, we’ll create a plan that reflects your wishes and safeguards your legacy.
Consequences of Incapacitation Without an Estate Plan
No one likes to think about the possibility of becoming incapacitated due to illness or injury. But it happens more often than we realize. Without an estate plan:
- The court may appoint someone to make financial and medical decisions for you, even if it’s not who you would have chosen.
- Your loved ones may have to go through stressful and expensive guardianship proceedings.
- Important healthcare decisions could be made without your input or against your wishes.
Through tools like powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives, you can decide who will manage your affairs and how your medical care should be handled if you’re unable to make decisions yourself.
Consequences of Dying Without an Estate Plan
In Arkansas, if you pass away without a will or estate plan, state law decides what happens to your property. This process, called intestate succession, may not reflect your wishes.
Some of the risks include:
- Assets distributed according to strict formulas, not your personal preferences.
- Children inheriting property before they’re ready to manage it.
- Loved ones facing lengthy and costly probate proceedings.
- Potential disputes between family members over who gets what.
Having a clear estate plan prevents uncertainty and ensures your property passes smoothly to the people you choose.
Should You Consider an Estate Plan in Arkansas?
The short answer is yes. Almost everyone can benefit from some form of estate planning, including:
- Parents who want to protect their children’s future.
- Married couples who want to ensure their spouse is provided for.
- Single adults who want control over their healthcare and financial decisions.
- Business owners who need to protect and transfer their interests.
- Seniors who want to simplify the process for their loved ones.
Even a basic estate plan can save your family significant stress and expense.
Can I Afford to have an Estate Plan?
Many people put off estate planning because they assume it will cost thousands of dollars, but that isn’t always the case. My goal is to make estate planning accessible for families of all backgrounds, especially those with children who want to protect their future. I work with clients to create the documents they truly need, in a way that fits within most budgets. Don’t let cost keep you from peace of mind, reach out today and let’s talk about your specific situation.
Benefits of Estate Planning
Estate planning offers peace of mind and practical benefits, including:
- Control – You decide who inherits your assets and who makes decisions on your behalf.
- Protection – Your family avoids unnecessary legal battles and court intervention.
- Privacy – Certain tools, like trusts, can help keep your estate out of public probate proceedings.
- Financial Security – Estate planning can minimize taxes, protect property, and ensure financial stability for your loved ones.
- Healthcare Guidance – Advance directives guarantee your wishes are respected in medical situations.
Planning now ensures your family isn’t left guessing later.
Typical Estate Plan Documents
Every estate plan is unique, but most include a combination of the following:
- Last Will and Testament: Directs how your assets will be distributed and can name guardians for minor children.
- Trusts: Useful for avoiding probate, protecting assets, and providing ongoing financial support for loved ones.
- Power of Attorney (POA): Grants authority to someone you trust to manage your finances if you’re incapacitated.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will): States your wishes for medical treatment, such as life support or end-of-life care.
- Beneficiary Designations: Ensures retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other assets transfer smoothly.
I’ll help you decide which documents are right for your situation and ensure they’re properly drafted and executed under Arkansas law.
Why Hire Our Estate Planning Attorney in Arkansas
Estate planning isn’t just about filling out forms—it’s about creating a thoughtful, comprehensive plan tailored to your life and your family’s needs. Here’s why working with Rock City Defender makes a difference:
- Personalized Approach: I take time to understand your goals, concerns, and family dynamics before recommending any plan.
- Medical and Legal Insight: With my background in healthcare, I bring unique understanding to advance directives and healthcare planning.
- Affordability and Accessibility: I believe estate planning should be within reach for everyone, not just the wealthy.
- Compassionate Guidance: I know these conversations can be emotional, and I approach them with patience and care.
- Statewide Service: From Little Rock to rural Arkansas, I provide both in-person and remote services to make the process as convenient as possible.
Your estate plan is more than documents—it’s your legacy. I’ll help you protect it.
CONTACT US
When you’re facing a legal issue, waiting often makes things harder. A simple conversation can give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward. I offer consultations in person at my Little Rock office and remotely for clients across Arkansas. No matter where you’re located, we can connect, discuss your situation, and explore the best next steps together.
