Milton Estate Planning Attorney
Guiding Sussex County Clients Through Effective Estate Planning
The usefulness of a well-developed estate plan isn’t limited to people with vast amounts of wealth. Estate plans focus giving you and your loved ones control over your assets and wishes. Finding an estate planning attorney to draft a thorough plan is key to securing the future of your loved ones.
At Adkins Law Firm, our attorneys will help you ensure your assets do not fall into the wrong hands. We will use our years of experience in estate law to prepare a plan to protect you in the long term. Your comprehensive estate plan will make the wealth you accumulated throughout the years work for you and those who matter most.
To schedule an initial consultation about your estate planning or probate needs, call a Milton estate planning lawyer at (302) 505-5773 or contact us today.
Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning
The purpose of making an estate plan is to plan ahead, designate the people or organizations that will receive your belongings after you die, and take steps now to simplify the process in the future.
Delaware Estate Law: What You Need to Know
In Delaware, when a person dies, becoming a decedent, their property and assets are subject to probate administration. The probate process determines how the decedent’s estate is distributed, relying on documents such as their will.
Without a valid will or other specification, probate courts will distribute the decedent's assets to beneficiaries according to state intestacy succession law. Nearly all states have intestacy laws that prioritize inheritance for your closest relatives, such as children or your spouse. Delaware state law also includes specific inheritance stipulations for half relatives and relatives born after the decedent's death.
Probate can be a complicated and drawn-out process. That is why it is recommended to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney from Milton for organizing your estate.
Steps to Create an Effective Estate Plan
An effective estate plan minimizes exposure of your property and assets to state probate and intestacy laws, as well as estate tax.
Your comprehensive plan could include the following estate planning documents:
- Wills - Having a will in place is vital to ensuring your property is not distributed by the courts
- Living trusts - Property in a living trust can bypass the probate process, and your trustee can distribute the assets within the trust to named beneficiaries as you see fit
- Jointly Owned Property and Named Beneficiaries - Certain property and financial instruments allow ownership to revert to a joint-owner or named beneficiary automatically
- Retirement Accounts - Such accounts are considered Transfer on Death, meaning they transfer directly to designated beneficiaries without the need for probate
- Life Insurance Proceeds and Annuities - Annuities allow you to name specific beneficiaries to directly receive all or part of your investment, avoiding probate proceedings
- Living Wills, Advanced Health Directives, and Special Powers of Attorney - These documents can ensure someone you trust has the power to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated
Why Choose Us?
Trusted Legal Support, Delivered with Integrity and Clarity
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Client-Centered ApproachYour case is more than just paperwork—it’s personal. We prioritize strong attorney-client relationships, offering personalized attention, responsive communication, and unwavering support throughout the legal process.
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Reasonable RatesHigh-quality legal representation should be accessible. We offer competitive pricing and flexible options, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier legal services without unnecessary financial strain.
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Honest Representation
We believe in transparency, ethical advocacy, and open communication. Our clients can trust that we will always act in their best interest, offering candid advice and realistic expectations while fiercely defending their rights.
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Practical Counsel
Legal matters can be complex, but we provide straightforward, strategic advice tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and guidance needed to make informed decisions with confidence.
What Our Clients Say About Us
At Adkins Law Firm, P.A., your experience matters most. Hear directly from our clients about the care, commitment, and results we deliver every day.
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Great experience with Adkins Law Firm during estate planning. All of our questions and concerns were addressed. Very professional and friendly! Highly recommended!K.M.
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G.C.
Very attentive to estate planning and all related details. High recommend Jason and his team. Wonderful experience all at a cost that was less than expected!
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J.Z.
Used this law firm for a property settlement. Mr. Adkins was very knowledgeable, throrough and informative. His staff was very helpful and pleasant as well. I am very satisfied with his service
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I was assisting a relative with the sale of a property in Delaware. I found the real estate coordinator (Krissie) to be knowledgeable, thorough and communicative with our attorney and his coordinator. The attorney finalized the sale documents with us promptly and provided copies for our records. The entire transaction was flawless. I would recommend them for handling real estate transactionsR.L.
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W.W.
My wife and I went there to get our Wills taken care people there were so nice and courteous thank you
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I needed my Will and Powers updated. Everyone was professional and so pleasant and they answered all my questions and explained everything in detail. I'm glad I found them without having to go to Rehoboth or further. Highly recommend this law firm.J.G.
When legal issues arise, you need a team that understands the local market and laws. We provide expert legal counsel with a hometown approach.