Estate Planning
Barton Klugman & Oetting LLP has an active estate planning department. Our attorneys focus on the estate planning and wealth transfer needs of moderate to high net worth individuals and their families. We incorporate creativity with advanced planning techniques to maximize wealth transfer and minimize taxes. We consider the unique aspects of each estate, and customize a comprehensive estate plan consistent with the client’s personal goals and family objectives.
Once an estate plan has been created in consultation with the client, the attorneys at Barton Klugman & Oetting LLP will generally draft the following documents as necessary:
- Wills and/or Pour-over Wills
- Revocable Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts and/or Generation Skipping Trusts
- Insurance Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directives
- HIPAA Authorizations
- Digital Asset Authorizations
- Certifications of Trust
Estate and Trust Administration
Estate and trust administration refers to the fiduciary’s management of estate or trust property according to the organizational documents and for the benefit of the beneficiaries after the creator’s death. Many steps are required to safeguard effective administration. The administration of an estate or trust requires careful planning. Many decisions with substantial financial implications, difficult at any time, must be made during a period of mourning. The attorneys at Barton Klugman & Oetting LLP help clients manage their loved ones’ estate and trust administration, through the following:
- Paying the decedents final expenses.
- Probating a will, if necessary.
- Preparing the Notification of Trustee required under Probate Code 16061.7.
- Defending the Trustee, if any wills or trusts are challenged.
- Educating the Trustees to carry out the terms of the trust.
- Filing a “Heggstad Petition,” if necessary.
- Filing the estate tax return – IRS Form 706, if required
- Effectuating the distribution of cash, real property, personal property, securities and intangible property, as provided for in the applicable trusts and/or wills.
- Effectuating the distribution of cash, real property, personal property, securities and intangible property, as provided for in the applicable trusts and/or wills.