Our Services
We help families secure their legacy and navigate complex legal processes with care.
Estate Planning
We understand that every family is unique. That's why Valley Law approaches estate planning comprehensively, taking the time to listen and prioritize the needs of each client. We then craft a unique estate plan - including customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, deeds, and all related documents to ensure your family and assets receive complete protection.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
When a loved one loses capacity, or has an illness or disability that prevents them from making their own financial or medical decisions, establishing a guardianship or conservatorship may become necessary. This critical process is often emotionally taxing for families. Our office understands these difficulties and we are here to address your questions, concerns, and guide you through this complex area of the law.
Probate and Trust Administration
When a loved one passes away, probate is the court-managed process of validating a will, determining heirs, settling a deceased person’s debts, and legally transferring assets to the rightful beneficiaries. Where there is a valid trust in place, the estate can be administered privately, without court involvement. Whether the estate is large or small, our services ensure the process is handled efficiently and accurately.
FAQs
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the act of making decisions now to protect yourself and your family in the future. It helps you organize your assets and wishes by providing a unique, customized plan that perfectly fits your family and financial situation. A successful plan achieves three core goals: protecting your family, protecting your assets, and protecting yourself. While it manages the transfer of possessions after death, it also includes crucial elements like tax planning, minimizing family conflict, and ensuring trusted individuals can make financial and medical decisions if you become incapacitated.
How do you assist elders?
We guide families through essential Elder Law issues, including complex healthcare decisions and critical asset protection. Our services help you navigate the following:
Protecting Your Voice: We assist you in pre-planning decisions, such as designating individuals as your Power of Attorney to ensure trusted individuals can make financial and medical decisions for you if the need arises.
Preserving Your Wealth: We advise on the most effective ways to distribute and protect your valuable assets, making sure they are preserved for future generations and protected from excessive taxes and care costs.
Addressing Immediate Needs: We provide urgent planning for immediate needs, focusing on time-sensitive legal strategies for managing and financing long-term care decisions.
What is probate and why is it needed?
Probate is the court-supervised process of handling a deceased person's estate. During the course of a probate proceeding, a person's last will and testament will be validated, the legal heirs of an estate will be determined by the Court, the decedent's affairs will be settled, and assets will be distributed to the rightful beneficiaries. The probate process can be complicated, and is required both with and without a will. However, the type of court proceeding may vary. Give us a call today if you have any questions on what this process may look like for you and your family.
Guardianship and Conservatorship becomes necessary when an individual is unable to care for themselves or manage their own financial affairs. This court process involves the judge appointing a Guardian (over the person and their health-related decisions) and/or Conservator (over the person's financial decisions) to act on the incapacitated person's behalf. These proceedings are typically required only when an individual is unable to execute proper power of attorney documents in advance of any incapacity.
When is guardianship necessary?
How do I start planning?
Planning strategies are unique to every individual. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your family’s specific needs and goals.