Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Springfield

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List of the best lawyers in Springfield, United States

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C.

Springfield, United States

Founded in 1969

14 people in their team

English

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. was founded in 1969 by former legal-services attorneys. The law firm is currently comprised of fourteen lawyers specializing in business planning, estate planning, commercial and tax-exempt bond financing, real estate development and permitting, litigation and...

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United States Estate Planning Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 2 legal questions about Estate Planning in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

My husband passed away five years ago. We have a property in th Philippines and I would like to transfer everything to my child. We are now residing in California, as U.S. citizens and my late husband a Filipino citizen.c: Hello:We are sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, and we extend our deepest condolences.Regarding your concern, since your husband was a Filipino citizen and you are now both U.S. citizens residing in California, the property transfer to your child in the Philippines can be lawfully facilitated under Philippine succession laws.Here are some important legal points and possible remedies:1. Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate (if there is no will)If your husband died intestate (without a will), and there are no other compulsory heirs aside from your child, you may execute an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights in favor of your child. This must be:Signed by you as the surviving spouse,Notarized and registered with the Registry of Deeds,Accompanied by a notarized Affidavit of Self-Adjudication or Waiver, if applicable.If the property is titled in your husband's name, the title must be transferred first to the estate, and then to your child.2. Judicial Settlement (if there is a dispute or complications)If:There are other legal heirs,There is no agreement on the partition,Or if a will exists that needs probate,Then a petition for judicial settlement must be filed before the Philippine court having jurisdiction over the property.3. Tax Clearance & Title TransferTo legally transfer the title, the following must also be secured:BIR Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR),Estate tax clearance,Updated real property tax payments,Transfer of title with the Registry of Deeds.We recommend an initial consultation so we can properly review your husband’s death certificate, property documents, marriage certificate, and your child’s proof of identity. This way, we can assist you in completing all required steps without requiring you to travel to the Philippines.You may directly schedule and automatically get a Google Meet link using the link below:👉 https://calendar.app.google/MuALV3nLqedy9FCx6Our Contact Information:📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: 09175046510📍 Office: 5th Floor, Park Centrale Building, IT Park, Apas, Cebu City, 6000We look forward to helping you secure your child’s rightful inheritance.Best,Atty. Jofre RecososaOwner, Recososa Law Firm
How to protect property from squatters law: After completing probate to establish yourself as the legal heir, you can transfer the property title to your name and then grant them permission to reside there through a formal agreement.It is worthy to note that you can do it through special attorney.

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About Estate Planning Law in Springfield, United States

Estate planning law in Springfield, United States focuses on ensuring that individuals have a comprehensive plan in place for the management and distribution of their assets after death. It involves drafting legal documents, such as wills and trusts, to dictate how a person's estate should be handled. Estate planning also includes making provisions for healthcare decisions and appointing guardians for minor children if necessary.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While it is possible to create a basic estate plan without the assistance of a lawyer, there are several situations where seeking legal help is highly recommended. These include:

If you have a large estate or complex financial situation
If you want to minimize estate taxes
If you own a business or have multiple properties
If you have minor children or family members with special needs
If you want to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored

Local Laws Overview

In Springfield, United States, there are certain key aspects of local laws that are particularly relevant to estate planning. These may include:

State laws regarding wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
Probate laws and procedures
Tax laws related to estate and inheritance taxes
Rules for determining the validity and enforceability of estate planning documents

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after you pass away. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to your chosen beneficiaries after your death, without going through probate.

2. Do I need an estate plan if I don't have a lot of assets?

Yes, an estate plan is beneficial regardless of the size of your assets. It allows you to designate who will handle your affairs, make healthcare decisions on your behalf, and ensure your loved ones are provided for according to your wishes.

3. Can I make changes to my estate plan after it is created?

Yes, you can revise your estate plan at any time. It is recommended to review and update your plan every few years or when significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets.

4. What happens if someone dies without an estate plan?

If someone dies without an estate plan, their assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy in Springfield, United States. This may result in assets being distributed in a way that does not align with the deceased person's wishes.

5. How can I protect my estate from excessive taxation?

There are various strategies available to minimize estate taxes. These may include establishing trusts or gifting assets during your lifetime. Consulting with an estate planning lawyer can help you navigate the best options for your specific situation.

Additional Resources

If you need further information or assistance with estate planning in Springfield, United States, consider contacting these resources:

Springfield Bar Association - www.springfieldbar.org
State Department of Revenue - Estate Tax Division - www.examplestate.gov
National Association of Estate Planners & Councils - www.naepc.org

Next Steps

If you are in need of legal assistance in estate planning, follow these steps:

Research and shortlist reputable estate planning lawyers in Springfield, United States.
Contact your chosen lawyers to schedule initial consultations.
Prepare relevant documents and information to bring to the consultations.
Discuss your needs and concerns with the lawyers and ask any questions you may have.
Choose the lawyer who best meets your needs and proceed with the estate planning process under their guidance.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.