Estate planning is a process that protects families against unnecessary financial hardship and stress through an organized plan that can be designed to:

• Evaluate current assets and liabilities
  
  
• Reduce (and in some circumstances eliminate)
  estate taxes
  
  
• Reduce administration costs by avoiding the
  probate process
  
  
• Maintain privacy of family matters by avoiding the
  probate process
  
  
• Appoint the proper individuals to manage the family assets
  
  
• Appoint the proper individuals as guardians of minor children
  
  
• Provide for the financial needs of family members and establish the proper timing for the distribution of assets to family members
  
  
• Ensure that sufficient liquid assets are available to pay taxes and expenses as needed;
  
  
• Take advantage of lifetime gifts to children and grandchildren as appropriate and desired
  
  
• Allow for charitable distributions as desired
  
  
• Provide for children that are challenged with special circumstances
  
  
• Ensure the continuation of the family business.