Contact Rebecca Heltzer with your questions about Estate Planning.

The issues of death and serious illness are emotionally wrenching, and so our society has tended to put off planning for these events until it is too late. Heltzer and Burg recognizes the importance of making these plans, but also the unease with which you may face this planning. We respectfully submit that it is far better to begin this process now, than to wait until you, or your partner, or your spouse pass away or are incapacitated, leaving your loved ones to deal with the potentially messy aftermath.

• Wills
  In the event of your death, if you don't have a will, the state decides where your assets will be distributed. This is called intestacy (the state of being without a legal will). If you are a member of a non-traditional family, the intestacy statutes may not distribute your assets in the manner you would like. This makes a will perhaps the most important tool for protecting your assets, and therefore your family, after you die. The heartbreaking stories of people forced out of their homes after their long-time partner dies unexpectedly needn't happen. Heltzer and Burg will make sure your legal affairs are put in order to reflect the values of you and your partner, not those of the state.
  
  
• Health Care Directives
  In addition to your will, you should also review whether you have in place effective health care directives that grant an agent the ability to make health care decisions in the event that you are incapacitated. Without proper directives, your partner may be excluded from your bedside by unfriendly family members or medical professionals. A legal health care directive, prepared and thoroughly vetted by Heltzer and Burg, is the best way to make sure that your wishes are honored.