Areas of Practice
Estate Planning, Wills, and Trusts
The services we offer at Crosby & Crosby in the area of estate planning, wills, and trusts involve the following:
Estate Planning
Estate planning is a process of analyzing your current situation and creating a plan for the future. In its simplest form, estate planning answers the question: “Who will get my property when I die?” However, there are numerous ancillary questions that must also be asked and answered. These questions are based upon the type of assets you own, the value of those assets, the form in which those assets are owned, the current title to those assets, the relationship between you and your beneficiaries, and the tax consequences now and in the event of death. In addition, the possibility of disability, retirement, and the death of an intended beneficiary must also be considered. When minor children are involved, the nomination of a guardian must made.
At Crosby & Crosby, we counsel clients with large and small estates. We also have the knowledge to assist clients with special assets such as family businesses, professional practices, vineyards, farms, ranches, vacation homes, out-of-state property, companion animals and pets, patents, copyrights, intellectual property, restricted securities, and stock options. Overriding all such matters are valuation issues, income tax planning, and estate tax planning.
Wills
A will is a written document which states your intent as to the disposition of your estate upon your death. If you die without a will, the laws of “intestate succession” determine who receives your property.
Trusts
Revocable living trusts are popular estate planning vehicles. A properly funded trust will set forth your plan of disposition, avoid probate, and in some estates eliminate or minimize federal estate taxes. Revocable living trusts offer significant advantages.