When you are looking for any type of product or service these days, the landscape is largely dominated by large, national chains and franchises. You can lose a sense of community when you are exposed to this dynamic, and it extends to the Internet. We are a local Westport, CT estate planning law firm. Our attorneys have deep roots in the area, and we choose to make this place our home because of the people. If you decide to work with us to craft your legacy, you will be working with neighbors, and you will be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect.
You have to discuss personal financial and family matters when you are working with an estate planning attorney to devise your plan, and we take this dynamic to heart. We make our clients feel comfortable every step of the way, and we build long-term relationships that often spill over into the next generation.
We Help You Preserve Your Wealth
Westport, CT is a fantastic place to live on many different levels, and people who have many options fully understand the quality of life that is offered here. According to the United States Census Bureau, Westport is the 10th wealthiest town in the entire country, so there are a lot of affluent people living in this area. When you have accumulated a significant store of wealth, you are in a position to provide opportunities for your family members when you are planning your estate. This can be a very satisfying feeling, because your impact can be felt for generations as members of your family strengthen the fabric of society. At the same time, accumulating wealth is not the end of the story. You have to preserve what you have earned for the benefit of your loved ones, because estate taxes can take a heavy toll on your legacy.
First of all, there is the federal estate tax that is applicable throughout the United States. This tax carries a 40 percent maximum rate, and we also have a state-level estate tax here in Connecticut. If the value your estate is over $2 million, you should certainly take steps to gain estate tax efficiency. There are various different ways that you can mitigate your exposure. Each case is different, and our firm can help you keep a maximum store of assets in the family.
Personalized Estate Planning in Westport, CT
Regardless of the exact nature of your financial status, estate planning is an absolute must. There are many different scenarios that can exist, and this is why personalized service is so very important. You may see websites on the Internet that sell generic, template legal documents. Their offerings extend to estate planning documents like wills and trusts. The idea is that you fill in the blanks, and you have a ready-made estate plan in place.
When you are crafting your legacy, you are preparing for the distribution of everything that you have earned throughout your life to the people that you love the most. This is an extremely profound emotional, financial, and legal exercise. DIY projects are great, but when the stakes are this high, you should probably act in a fully informed manner. There are many different asset transfer tools that can be utilized, and the best choice will depend on the circumstances.
Once again, we are Westport, CT locals, and when you work with our firm, you will receive personalized attention from a member of your community. We will sit down with you, make you feel at ease, and gain a full understanding of your financial situation, your family dynamic, and your estate planning objectives. Taking care of things that will happen after you pass away is a big part of the process, but you should also take steps to prepare yourself for certain eventualities that you may face toward the end of your life.
After we gain an understanding of your situation, we will explain your options to you and make recommendations. Ultimately, you can go forward with a tailor-made estate plan that is ideal for you and your family.
It’s Time to Get Started with an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
Statistics show that most American adults are not prepared from an estate planning perspective. If you are going through life without an estate plan, now is the time to take action. This is also true if you have an existing estate plan that you have not reviewed in many years. We offer no obligation consultations to our neighbors here, and we would love to get to know you. To set up an appointment, give us a call at 860-548-1000 or send us a message directly. We look forward to serving you!
( By appointment only )