Helena Trust & Estate Lawyer

Trust & Estate Attorney in Helena, MT

Estate planning can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, including whether to have a trust or a will, or how to leave your assets to your loved ones. The complicated legal system requires that trusts and wills meet certain requirements, and it can become very daunting when you are not familiar with the laws. Working with a Helena trust & estate lawyer can make the process smooth and stress-free.

The trust and estate lawyers at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC, are skilled at answering your questions, guiding you through the estate-planning process, and helping you make crucial decisions about how to care for your loved ones after you are gone. Our team is highly respected and known for honesty, open communication, and reliability. We regularly represent cases in Lewis and Clark County District Court in Helena and all over the state of Montana.

How We Can Help

Around 70% of people in Montana haven’t created a plan for their estate after they die. Not making a clear plan can cause loved ones a significant amount of stress on top of their grief. To help avoid that, our firm is dedicated to helping clients craft a thorough and legally enforceable estate plan, giving them peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out as they desire.

The Helena trust & estate attorneys at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC, are experienced with drafting trusts and estate planning. Our practical problem-solving skills and legal knowledge can be your ally through this tricky process. Although our office is located in Helena, we are able to serve the entire state of Montana.

If you don’t have a will in writing, then Montana will distribute your assets according to Montana law, which might not be what you would have wanted. Contact us today so that we can help you craft an estate plan that distributes your assets the way you wish.

What Is Estate Planning?

An estate is everything that you own. When you die, your estate will be divided according to what you have previously requested in your estate plans.

An estate can be distributed in two ways:

• Will: A set of instructions detailing who receives the assets and how the assets ought to be distributed.
• Intestate Succession: This is the legal chain of inheritance outlined by Montana law that determines which relatives will receive the property upon the death of a decedent if they die without a will or estate plan.

An estate planning lawyer can detail your options and help you decide what might be ideal for your estate, whether it includes a will, trusts, power of attorney, guardianship instructions, or help avoiding probate.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity that holds the assets. The person who creates the trust can establish how they’d like the trust to be divided upon their death. Assets belong to the trust until they are distributed. The three basic steps to creating a trust are:

1. The person creating the trust, or the grantor, will compile their assets.
2. The grantor will hand over these assets to a trustee who will manage and look after the trust on their behalf.
3. The grantor decides on the beneficiaries of the trust and what the terms and conditions are for the beneficiaries to receive those assets.

Hire a Trust & Estate Lawyer

A trust and estate planning lawyer has years of experience with trust and estate planning cases. They have a specific set of skills that can help you through crafting your trust or planning your estate. They can help you:

• Evaluate your assets
• Tailor the estate plan or trust to your specific goals
• Draft the necessary documents
• Give you regular updates and review your estate plan or trust details regularly
• Guide your family through the process after your passing
• Represent your wishes and help navigate the court system, if needed

Talk to a trust and estate planning lawyer to see how they can safeguard your assets for your loved ones.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Talk to an Estate Lawyer?

A:  The cost of hiring a trust and estate lawyer varies widely because it depends on the attorney’s billing method and the type and complexity of your needs. A very basic estate plan will cost less than a trust-based estate plan, which would involve multiple documents and decisions. Some lawyers charge by the hour, and some charge a flat fee. To inquire about cost, contact us today for a consultation.

Q: What Type of Lawyer Is Ideal for Trusts?

A: A trust lawyer or estate planning lawyer would be ideal for establishing or modifying a trust. They will help you draw up a trust that meets your wishes and needs while making sure that it follows the law. An experienced trust lawyer can help you decide between a revocable and irrevocable trust and help you navigate the trust process from beginning to end. They can draft the documents and help transfer the assets to your trustees.

Q: Are Estate Lawyers Worth It?

A: Estate lawyers are essential to making sure that your wishes are met within the bounds of the law. The more thorough your estate plan is, the easier it will be for your loved ones when you are gone. An estate lawyer can accomplish many duties on your behalf, including evaluating your estate, managing the probate process, advising you on estate taxes, and handling possible estate litigation. They can provide a solid support system to family members during a difficult time.

Contact Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed LLC Today

With over forty years of combined experience, our firm is passionate about serving our clients with reliable legal advice, focused support, and fierce dedication. Our legal team has resolved over 1,000 cases and can confidently help you with your legal needs

Planning an estate or trust can be overwhelming, and trying to sort through one after a loved one has passed away is far from ideal. Hire an estate and trust attorney today to make navigating the complex legal system a little easier on your family when the time comes. We can make sure your plans are enforceable, reducing the chance of any disputes over your final wishes, and putting your assets into the right hands as quickly as possible.

To find out how we can help, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.