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.

Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets during your life and after your death. A well-crafted estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored, minimizes potential disputes, and provides peace of mind knowing your loved ones are taken care of.

A comprehensive estate plan includes several key legal documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced health care directives. Our team at Adkins Law Firm is here to help you navigate these tools and customize a plan that fits your unique situation.
 

Delaware Estate Law: What You Need to Know

In Delaware, when a person dies, becoming a decedent, their property and assets may be subject to probate administration. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is distributed to their heirs and designated beneficiaries. With a will, you have the power to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed after your passing and who will be in charge of executing your wishes. The person you designate as the executor will handle important responsibilities, including working with the Register of Wills to ensure your estate is administered according to your instructions.

Without a will, however, the distribution of your assets is determined by the intestacy laws of the state of Delaware. This means the state will decide who inherits your property, which may not align with your preferences. This could lead to unintended consequences, including assets going to family members you may not have intended to inherit, or delays in the probate process.

Creating a will allows you to maintain control and ensures that your wishes are followed, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

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.