Attorneys for Wills and Trusts in Anderson, IN

Preparing Clients for the Future

Many people procrastinate estate planning because they see death as something in the distant future. However, no one knows when that day will come, and if you have a family with minor children or an estate of a reasonable size, estate planning is essential to protect your loved ones. Some of the basic documents found in many estate plans are wills and trusts. These documents work hand in hand to protect families from Indiana’s complicated and costly probate process. They outline who will receive what from your inheritance, and in the case of trusts, how and when the funds will be disbursed. You have worked your whole life to create the wealth you will leave behind for your posterity. Don’t risk giving too much up to creditors and taxes. Take the simple step today to protect your assets and provide a better life for your family by calling our attorneys for wills and trusts. You can reach us at (765) 684-4355 to schedule a free consultation with our Anderson wills and trusts attorneys.

What Is a Will?

A will is foundational in most estate plans. It names individuals who will play important roles during your estate administration. You will also describe which assets will be distributed and to whom following your death.

Some of the important designations made in a will are:

• Beneficiaries – Your will indicates who will receive assets from your estate. These heirs are also known as beneficiaries.
• Executor – You should choose someone you trust to act as your executor. They will carry out your instructions as they execute your will.
• Guardian – If your family includes minor children, you should name a guardian in case both parents pass away. This is one of the most critical parts of a will for families with young children.

For help crafting the perfect will that matches your needs and goals, contact our compassionate and capable estate planning lawyers today!

What Is a Living Will?

A living will is an essential part of proper planning that focuses on your medical and end-of-life care decisions. Unlike a traditional will, which outlines how your property is distributed after death, a living will provides clear instructions for your healthcare providers and loved ones if you become unable to communicate your wishes.

Through this document, you can specify preferences about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, artificial nutrition, or other medical interventions. Working with an experienced wills attorney in Anderson ensures your living will is legally sound and aligns with Indiana law.

What Is a Trust?

Trusts function in a way that is similar to wills, but they offer additional benefits that a will lacks. While wills are essential for naming critical roles in your estate administration, trusts give greater flexibility and control over how your assets are distributed. Depending on what kind of trust you use, they may also offer additional protection against probate, creditors, and taxes.

Some commonly used trusts in Indiana are:

• Irrevocable trust – In these trusts, the grantor loses all control of the assets placed into the trust. However, irrevocable trusts offer a great deal of protection from lawsuits, taxes, and probate.
• Revocable trust – With a revocable trust, there are fewer tax benefits than with an irrevocable trust. However, these trusts still protect possessions from probate and offer the benefit of accessing the assets within them. Revocable trusts may be changed or revoked at any time.
• Spendthrift trust – A spendthrift trust allows the grantor to leave an inheritance for an individual they suspect may not use the funds wisely. They can instruct the trustee to give the beneficiary small amounts or for limited purposes.
• Special needs trust – This form of trust allows a grantor to leave an inheritance for an individual with special needs without affecting their Medicaid or Social Security eligibility.
• Asset protection trust – An asset protection trust offers protection against creditors, taxation, bankruptcy, divorce, and other legal disputes.
  Please reach out to us immediately for advice on choosing the right trust for your financial and family situation.

How Often Should You Update Your Will or Trust?

Creating a will or trust is only the first step in protecting your family and assets — maintaining it is equally essential. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or purchasing new property can all affect the distribution of your estate. With proper planning and regular updates, you can ensure your documents remain legally sound and reflect your current wishes.

A wills lawyer in Anderson can review your estate plan every few years to confirm that your advance directives, long-term care instructions, and guardianship appointments still align with your legal needs. Similarly, a trusts lawyer in Anderson can ensure your trust accurately manages new investments or property and is structured to avoid probate whenever possible.

Our law office provides comprehensive legal support for updating wills and trusts, offering education, advice, and assistance to help you stay prepared for any circumstance. Whether you need to add a new beneficiary or adjust asset management provisions, our team in Anderson, Indiana, will guide you through every detail so your family can benefit from proper planning and peace of mind. Schedule an appointment today to keep your estate plan up to date.

How Wills and Trusts Can Help With Probate

One of the most important benefits of creating an estate plan is probate avoidance. Probate can be lengthy, public, and expensive, often leading to unnecessary disputes and court delays. With proper planning, you can minimize court involvement, reduce administrative fees, and ensure a smooth distribution of your assets to loved ones.

A trusts lawyer in Anderson can help you establish living or irrevocable trusts designed to manage assets and avoid probate altogether. These trusts also provide flexibility for long-term care planning and can secure your property against claims or creditors. Likewise, a wills lawyer in Anderson can craft a will that works hand in hand with your trust, ensuring all assets are transferred efficiently and according to your wishes.

Our law office in Anderson, Indiana, focuses on creating comprehensive estate plans that balance protection and efficiency. We provide legal support for probate avoidance, estate administration, and asset management to help families maintain control of their legacy. When you hire our team, you gain the benefit of skilled legal assistance and a partner committed to keeping your estate out of the court system through careful, proactive planning.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?

With the many options available during the estate planning process, it is crucial to hire knowledgeable and experienced estate planning lawyers like those at Beeman Heifner and Benge P.A. Your estate planning lawyer will review your financial situation and help you determine what kinds of documents to include in your estate plan. They can offer counsel on whether you should create a will and what types of trusts to use.
When the time comes to execute your estate plan, having wills attorneys familiar with your plan and wishes will significantly benefit your family. Your lawyer can also help inventory your estate, prepare and file taxes during estate administration to minimize your family’s tax burden, and resolve disputes among family members and creditors. With your wealth on the line, you don’t want to leave matters up to chance. You should contact trusted legal professionals who will treat you with respect and work with you to create sound legal documents that protect your family and wealth now and in the future.

Should You Hire Our Wills & Trusts Attorneys?

Choosing the right estate planning attorneys can be a challenge. You want to find a law firm where the lawyers listen carefully to your concerns so they can align your plan with your wishes and goals.
At Beeman Heifner and Benge P.A., we have decades of combined experience helping clients like you prepare for the future. We are passionate about preventing the disaster that might occur if you die without an estate plan. We promise to leverage our knowledge, experience, and honesty to craft the perfect plan that provides a bright future for your loved ones. Please reach out to our talented legal team right away to get started creating the right estate plan for you. While death may seem far away, no one knows what tomorrow may bring. Taking the simple step of starting your estate plan today could save your family from carrying a far heavier burden than they deserve when you pass away. Call for a free consultation at (765) 684-4355 today!