Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

Protect Your Assets and Your Loved Ones

Planning for the future is a very personal task, and it is important to find an estate planning lawyer you trust to help you protect your assets and your loved ones. At the law office of Margaret Royce Galvin, Attorney at Law, I have years of experience developing personalized estate plans for clients throughout Lake County and surrounding areas in Indiana.

Having a proper estate plan in place best ensures that your wishes regarding asset distribution, care of minor children and management of your medical and financial affairs will be carried out. Call 219-228-7115 (toll free 866-669-5008) and learn how I can help you create a plan that is the right fit for you.

The Right Estate Plan to Meet Your Goals

Everyone has different estate planning needs, and needs change over time. Whether you want to create a will or update an existing one, I will provide the guidance you need to accomplish your objectives.

For young families, a primary focus may be providing for minor children should both parents pass away. Whether in naming a guardian or establishing a trust to manage an inheritance, proper estate planning is essential for protecting your loved ones.

Some people think that estate planning is only for the rich or the very old. The fact is, most adults have assets they want to protect, including their car, home, bank accounts and retirement savings. With a valid estate plan, you control where your assets go, rather than letting the State decide for you.

Finally, whether you are young, old or somewhere in between, estate planning lets you specify your wishes regarding medical and financial decision making in the event you ever become incapacitated.

The Personal Attention and Experience You Need

After taking the time to fully understand your financial and life circumstances, I will help you develop a plan using some or all of the following tools:

• Will — lets you state how you want your assets to be distributed, name an executor and designate a guardian for your minor children.
• Trust — lets you re-title assets and property and specify rules for their distribution and management. I have experience with testamentary trusts, living trusts and special needs trusts.
• Property power of attorney — lets you designate a person to make financial decisions on your behalf.
• Living will — addresses end-of-life decision making, including life-sustaining treatment, feeding and hydration.
• Healthcare power of attorney — lets you designate a person to make medical decisions on your behalf, in the event you are not able to.
• HIPPA release — gives another person access to your medical records. This release should be executed together with a healthcare power of attorney.

In addition to being an experienced estate planning attorney, I also hold an advanced law degree (LL.M.) in Taxation. I am able to analyze family and financial arrangements and explain your options in clear, simple terms. I can help you understand the effect of remarriage on a new or existing will, as well as explain the tax ramifications of retirement plans, annuities, life insurance, and real estate and business transfers on your estate planning options.

From preserving assets, to avoiding probate, or to caring for dependents with special needs, you can depend on my experience to guide you through the estate planning process. To schedule an appointment, call 219-228-7115. If necessary, I may meet with you at your home, hospital or hospice by appointment.