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Estate Planning Attorney in Washington, DC

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Carried Out

Making an estate plan can seem like a daunting task, and it's easy to put off until “someday.” Unfortunately, too many people put off estate planning until it's too late. The truth is that planning for your family's future and ensuring your assets are protected can give you much-needed peace of mind. 

Protecting your loved ones and your assets is too important a task to leave to chance. That's why working with an experienced Washington, D.C. estate planning lawyer is essential in ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass away or become incapacitated. At J.S. Burton, PLC, our estate planning attorneys understand the importance of providing comprehensive and customized plans that reflect your values and goals. 

Our team not only focuses on the legal documentation required but also provides guidance on preserving family harmony and reducing the potential for future conflicts. Through thoughtful discussions, we help you anticipate possible issues and make informed decisions that consider all aspects of your family's dynamics. This process allows for a clear, comprehensive plan that is understood and respected by all parties involved. 

Our experienced estate planning lawyers in Washington, D.C. can help you prepare a variety of legal documents including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills. We also offer a multitude of other services including estate tax planning, asset protection, and charitable giving. 

With our experienced estate planning attorneys by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes and that all legal matters are handled properly. 

Don’t wait to address your legal needs—connect with a skilled estate planning lawyer in Washington, DC at J. S. Burton, P.L.C.. Call (888) 885-9001 or get in touch with us to book your free consultation.

Nothing Is More Important Than Protecting Your Family's Future

The reality is that many people pass away without having made adequate arrangements to protect their loved ones and assets. This can be a devastating experience for those left behind, who are then forced to deal with complications that could have been avoided had they been prepared. 

Our firm places a strong emphasis on creating a lasting legacy that benefits future generations. By incorporating elements such as philanthropy and educational trusts, you can ensure that your estate supports causes and goals that align with your values. We work with financial advisors and accountants to maximize the potential impact of your legacy, presenting a holistic approach to estate planning that extends far beyond just distributing assets. 

With over two decades of experience in estate planning, our knowledgeable and compassionate estate planning attorneys in Washington, D.C., understand the value of creating a comprehensive plan to protect your assets and legacies. We will work with you to create a personalized estate plan that meets your individual needs and desires. 

Our experienced Washington, D.C. estate planning attorneys provide comprehensive services, which include:

  • Drafting Wills and Trusts 
  • Estate Tax Planning 
  • Asset Protection Planning 
  • Charitable Giving Strategies 
  • Business Succession Planning 
  • Elder Law Services 
  • Guardianships and Conservatorships 

Our attorneys will take the time to get to know you and your goals so that they can develop an estate plan tailored specifically to meet your needs. We understand how important it is for you to feel comfortable with your legal arrangements, so we strive to make sure that our clients are kept informed and that their wishes are respected. 

Estate Planning Laws in Washington, D.C.

The legal framework governing estate planning in Washington, D.C. provides specific guidelines that must be adhered to when preparing your estate planning documents. The district's probate laws outline how wills and trusts should be structured to be considered valid. This includes stipulations on the execution of documents, such as the requirement for witnesses and proper signing procedures. Furthermore, the estate tax requirements in Washington, D.C. need to be considered as they differ from federal estate tax laws. This complex legal landscape necessitates a knowledgeable estate planning attorney to help navigate these requirements and ensure your estate plan complies with local laws.

Being informed about these regulations is crucial for ensuring that your estate plan is executed as intended upon your death. Our team at J.S. Burton, PLC is well-versed in the specific requirements of Washington, D.C. estate laws and works closely with you to create a plan that adheres strictly to these laws, reducing the risk of disputes or legal issues after your passing. Ensuring compliance with local legal standards is a critical part of our comprehensive estate planning services, designed to protect your assets and uphold your wishes. Connect with a skilled estate planning lawyer in Washington, DC to discuss your wishes.

Tailored Strategies for Complex Estates

For individuals with complex estate portfolios, including high net-worth individuals and business owners, estate planning can require strategies that go beyond basic wills and trusts. Complex estates might involve multiple properties, business interests, diversified investment portfolios, and significant personal assets. Crafting an estate plan that encompasses all these elements requires strategic planning and expert guidance to minimize tax liabilities and facilitate smooth asset transition.

At J.S. Burton, PLC, our attorneys utilize tailored strategies that consider all facets of your wealth. We provide personalized advice on structuring your estate to ensure maximum efficiency and security. This involves leveraging tools such as family limited partnerships, charitable remainder trusts, and other legal structures to protect your estate from excessive taxation and ensure proper distribution to your heirs. Our approach is detail-oriented, addressing your unique needs and ensuring that even the most complex estates are managed with precision. Reach out to a qualified estate planning attorney in Washington, DC as soon as possible.

Advantages of Choosing Our Washington, D.C. Estate Planning Attorneys

Choosing the right legal partner for your estate planning is crucial. At J.S. Burton, PLC, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized touch combined with seasoned legal acumen. Our firm stands out by prioritizing a client-first approach, nurturing long-term relationships that evolve along with your estate planning needs. We understand that estate planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship requiring trust and expertise.

Our commitment to you involves more than just drafting documents. We offer continuous support and updates as your life circumstances change, such as the birth of a child, marriage, or acquiring new assets. We welcome you to schedule periodic reviews to ensure your plan remains aligned with your current goals. This proactive approach allows us to provide our clients with peace of mind, knowing their legacy is in good hands. Our dedication to preserving family wealth and facilitating its orderly transition is what makes us a trusted choice for estate planning in Washington, D.C.

Get the support you need from our skilled estate planning lawyer in Washington, DC. Reach out via online form or dial (888) 885-9001 now to book your no-cost initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning

What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?

An estate planning lawyer is responsible for helping you organize and coordinate your financial affairs to ease the management of your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes after your death. This includes drafting essential documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. They also offer guidance on estate and gift tax planning, helping you navigate strategies to minimize tax liabilities related to your estate.

Our attorneys work closely with you to understand your circumstances and tailor an estate plan that reflects your personal and financial goals. We provide valuable insights into protecting your assets from potential creditors and ensure a smooth transition of your wealth to your beneficiaries. Additionally, we stay updated on changes in estate laws to ensure your plan remains compliant and effective. Partnering with an experienced estate planning attorney can help prevent disputes and ensure your wishes are honored.

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

It's generally recommended that you review and update your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever significant life events occur. These events might include marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or significant changes in your financial status, such as the acquisition or sale of property or business interests. Updating your plan ensures it reflects your current wishes and takes into account any changes in laws that might affect your estate.

Regular reviews with your estate planning attorney ensure that your documents remain relevant and effective. At J.S. Burton, PLC, we encourage our clients to maintain ongoing communication with us to address any changes promptly. This proactive approach ensures that your estate continues to meet your needs and protects what's important to you, avoiding potential legal or familial disputes down the line. Turn to a professional estate planning lawyer today.

What Is a Living Trust and How Does It Work?

A living trust is a legal document that places your assets into a trust for your benefit during your lifetime and specifies how they are to be distributed upon your death. Unlike a will, a living trust can help you avoid probate, a sometimes lengthy and costly legal process. This can offer significant benefits in terms of privacy and asset management efficiency.

Living trusts can be either revocable or irrevocable. A revocable trust allows you the flexibility to make changes or dissolve the trust during your lifetime, whereas an irrevocable trust typically cannot be changed once established but offers additional tax benefits and asset protection. Understanding the benefits and differences of each type is crucial, and our attorneys can guide you in determining which type best suits your estate planning needs.

Why Is It Important to Include a Health Care Proxy in My Estate Plan?

A healthcare proxy is a critical component of a comprehensive estate plan. It appoints someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. This ensures that your medical treatment preferences are respected even if you cannot communicate them yourself. Including a healthcare proxy can prevent conflicts and confusion among family members during stressful times.

At J.S. Burton, PLC, we stress the importance of having this document in place, as it eases the burden on loved ones during emergencies and ensures your wishes for medical treatment are honored. A well-crafted healthcare proxy outlines clear instructions, leaving no room for ambiguity. By integrating this into your estate plan, you safeguard your right to make autonomous health decisions, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

What Are the Benefits of Charitable Giving in Estate Planning?

Charitable giving within your estate plan can be an excellent way to provide for causes that are important to you while also offering tax advantages. By including provisions for charitable contributions in your estate plan, you can reduce your estate's taxable value, which might decrease the overall estate tax liability. Benefiting a charitable organization can also preserve a legacy of philanthropy.

There are numerous ways to incorporate charitable giving into your estate planning, such as through charitable trusts, bequests, or donations during your lifetime. At J.S. Burton, PLC, we help clients identify meaningful strategies for their charitable goals that maximize both philanthropic impact and tax benefits. Establishing a plan for charitable giving not only fulfills a philanthropic desire but can also provide financial benefits to your estate, emphasizing a legacy that extends beyond material wealth.

Contact An Estate Planning Attorney At J. S. Burton, P.L.C.

At J.S. Burton, PLC, we understand how difficult it can be to think about the future when you're focused on the present, but we also know that estate planning is essential in protecting your assets and loved ones in the event of your death or incapacitation. We take pride in helping our clients achieve the peace of mind they need by providing comprehensive, sensitive, and personalized estate planning services. 

It's never too early or too late to take control of your legacy and make sure that you have a plan in place to protect your family's future. The important thing is to not put off estate planning till it's too late. Speak with an estate planning lawyer at our firm right away.

If you're ready to start protecting your future and the future of your family, contact our experienced Washington, D.C. estate planning attorneys by filling out the online form or calling us at (888) 885-9001 for a free consultation. We look forward to working with you!

Opinions That Matter Most

Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
    "An excellent estate planning attorney"
    Mr. Burton, Esq. is an excellent estate planning attorney and I recommend him with a 5 star rating. He is patient and answers all questions. His organization of the plan that he provided was in a binder and very complete.
    - Jeffrey S.
    "Very professional, friendly, thoughtful, and highly knowledgeable, Fallon expedited preparation and delivery of my documents. Overall, this was an awesome experience"

    I just had a great experience with this firm in preparing my estate planning documents. I needed to update some wishes and also ensure everything is in line for the state of Virginia, as I moved here from Pennsylvania. I worked with Fallon Francesca Whi

    - Wendy V.
    "I would highly recommend him."
    I have met with Mr Burton several times and always found him to be professional and personable
    - Bonnie T.
    "Highly recommended for estate planning"
    We were heard and guided to do the best for our families needs
    - Fred S.
    "Friendly and personable service."
    J S Burton, PLC has helped with my estate planning. All aspects of my trust are clearly defined in an easy-to-understand folder. They coordinated with my financial planner seamlessly. The staff is friendly and personable. I highly endorse J S Burton.
    - Elizabeth M.
    "Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!"
    Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!
    - Krystin R.
    "Truly impressive and caring."
    J S Burton, PLC has been our family's trusted estate planner for over 20 years. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication are unmatched. They guide us through complex decisions with ease and clarity, always with a personal approach.
    - Ryan D.
    "Highly skilled and compassionate."
    J S Burton, PLC is an excellent estate planning firm—highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. They listened with great kindness, compassion, and courtesy. All questions were answered, and a perfect estate plan was created. Very happy!
    - Kathy R.

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    FAQs

    • What estate planning documents should I have?
      A comprehensive estate plan should include the following documents, prepared by an attorney based on in-depth counseling which takes into account your particular family and financial situation:

      A Living Trust can be used to hold legal title to and provide a mechanism to manage your property. You (and your spouse) are the Trustee(s) and beneficiaries of your trust during your lifetime. You also designate successor Trustees to carry out your instructions in case of death or incapacity. Unlike a will, a trust usually becomes effective immediately after incapacity or death. Your Living Trust is "revocable" which allows you to make changes and even to terminate it. One of the great benefits of a properly funded Living Trust is the fact that it will avoid or minimize the expense, delays, and publicity associated with probate.

      If you have a Living Trust-based estate plan, you also need a pour-over will. For those with minor children, the nomination of a guardian must be set forth in a will. The other major function of a pour-over will is that it allows the executor to transfer any assets owned by the decedent into the decedent's trust so that they are distributed according to its terms.

      A Will, also referred to as a Last Will and Testament, is primarily designed to transfer your assets according to your wishes. A Will also typically names someone to be your Executor, who is the person you designate to carry out your instructions. If you have minor children, you should also name a Guardian as well as alternate Guardians in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. A Will only becomes effective upon your death, and after it is admitted by a probate court.

      A Durable Power of Attorney for Property allows your agent to carry on your financial affairs in the event that you become disabled. Unless you have a properly drafted power of attorney, it may be necessary to apply to a court to have a guardian or conservator appointed to make decisions for you during a period of incapacitation. This guardianship process is time-consuming, expensive, emotionally draining and often costs thousands of dollars.

      There are generally two types of durable powers of attorney: a present durable power of attorney in which the power is immediately transferred to your agent (also known as your attorney in fact); and a springing or future durable power of attorney that only comes into effect upon your subsequent disability as determined by your doctor. Anyone can be designated, most commonly your spouse or domestic partner, a trusted family member, or friend. Appointing an agent assures that your wishes are carried out exactly as you want them, allows you to decide who will make decisions for you, and is effective immediately upon subsequent disability.

      The law allows you to appoint someone you trust to decide about medical treatment options if you lose the ability to decide for yourself. You can do this by using a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care or Health Care Proxy where you designate the person or persons to make such decisions on your behalf. You can allow your health care agent to decide about all health care or only about certain treatments. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she has to follow. Your agent can then ensure that health care professionals follow your wishes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent's decisions as if they were your own.

      A Living Will informs others of your preferred medical treatment should you become permanently unconscious, terminally ill, or otherwise unable to make or communicate decisions regarding treatment. In conjunction with other estate planning tools, it can bring peace of mind and security while avoiding unnecessary expense and delay in the event of future incapacity.

      Some medical providers have refused to release information, even to spouses and adult children authorized by durable medical powers of attorney, on the grounds that the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, prohibits such releases. In addition to the above documents, you should also sign a HIPAA authorization form that allows the release of medical information to your agents, your successor trustees, your family and other people whom you designate.
    • How do I name a guardian for my children?
      If you have children under the age of eighteen, you should designate a person or persons to be appointed guardian(s) over their person and property. Of course, if a surviving parent lives with the minor children (and has custody over them), he or she automatically continues to remain their sole guardian. This is true despite the fact that others may be named as the guardian in your estate planning documents. You should name at least one alternate guardian in case the primary guardian cannot serve or is not appointed by the court.
    • What does my estate include?

      Your estate is simply everything that you own, anywhere in the world, including:

      • Your home or any other real estate that you own
      • Your business
      • Your share of any joint accounts
      • The full value of your retirement accounts
      • Any life insurance policies that you own
      • Any property owned by a trust, over which you have a significant control
    • Why is it important to establish an estate plan?

      Sadly, many individuals don’t engage in formal estate planning because they don’t think that they have “a lot of assets” or mistakenly believe that their assets will be automatically shared among their children upon their passing. If you don’t make proper legal arrangements for the management of your assets and affairs after your passing, the state’s intestacy laws will take over upon your death. This often results in the wrong people getting your assets as well as higher estate taxes.

      If you pass away without establishing an estate plan, your estate would undergo probate, a public, court-supervised proceeding. Probate can be expensive and tie up the assets of the deceased for a prolonged period before beneficiaries can receive them. Even worse, your failure to outline your intentions through proper estate planning can tear apart your family as each person maneuvers to be appointed with the authority to manage your affairs. Further, it is not unusual for bitter family feuds to ensue over modest sums of money or a family heirloom.