Wills

Trusts

Estates

Estate Administration
Whether an individual dies with a will or without a will, administration of the deceased’s estate is necessary to distribute property and resolve a loved one’s affairs.  Indeed, in some states if the value of an estate exceeds a certain dollar amount, the law requires that the estate be administered. 

Similarly, administration of a trust also entails attention to numerous financial and legal procedures.  The trustee of a trust is a “fiduciary” and must act reasonably and prudently in the management of the trust property for the trust’s beneficiaries.  If the trustee fails to act as required, a trustee may be removed and in some instances may even be held personally liable for actions and inactions.  Mr. Medina is experienced in the representation of trusts and trustees and can provide sophisticated results driven advice for even the most complex cases.

Trusts and  Wills Contests

Medina Law Firm LLC also represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in Will and Trust disputes.  Probate litigation is hybrid area of the law requiring expertise in both the Trust and Estate law and litigation disciplines.  As both a Chancery Law Clerk and practitioner, Mr. Medina has the experience to tackle both.  This combination of knowledge and experience allows the firm to deliver sophisticated and results driven advice in what can so often be a difficult process.

Estate Planning
 

Wills

At Medina Law Firm LLC, we recognize that most people work long hours away from the company of their loved ones to provide and ensure their families financial welfare.  However, hard work is only one component of your family’s financial health.  Experience tells us that careful estate planning is critical for overall success.  When an individual dies without a will (called dying “intestate”), state laws will determine who and how property is distributed to those left behind.  Below are only a few of the benefits of making a will:

• Designate the Guardian of Minor Children

• Minimize Taxes

• Provide for Same Sex Partners

• Designate Executors and Co-Executors

• Ensure Property is Distributed Quickly

• Ease the Process for Your Loved Ones

• Ensure Continuity of a Business

• Asset Protection

• Preserve for Initiate Legacies

Healthcare Proxies and Living Wills

Health Care Proxies and Living Wills are important documents relating to your medical treatment.  Through a Health Care Proxy, also known as a Durable Power of Attorney, you can designate a person to make decisions on your behalf in the event of your incapacity.  Similarly, a Living Will provides a set of directives in the event of your incapacity without the need for an intermediary decision maker.  Living Wills and Health Care Proxies are important devices you can use to ease the burden of a life altering decision on your loved ones and to ensure your religious and philosophical views are observed.

Trusts

A trust can be a useful device for complex estate planning.  Indeed, few estate planning techniques offer the flexibility, asset protection and longevity that are found in a trust.  Trusts can also be used for the health and welfare of individuals - a minor child, a handicapped or challenged loved one or an individual with special needs.  Medina Law Firm LLC is experienced in all aspects of trust formation and administration and can assist with your planning and administration needs.