Stephanie Listokin can provide:

• Information regarding the estate planning options and strategies that are available to you;
• Assessment of your current estate planning needs; and
• Preparation of the required documents.

Estate planning documents may include:

• Will
• Living Revocable Trust
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
• Beneficiary Designations for Non-probate Assets
• Special Needs Trust
• Children's Trust
• Grandchildren's Trust
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trust
• Charitable Remainder Trust

When a person dies, their estate must be administered and disposed of according to state law. If the deceased did not leave a valid Will, the beneficiaries are determined by state law. If the deceased left a valid Will, the beneficiaries are determined according to the terms of the Will. A special probate court must approve the appointment of an Executor (or Administrator) for an estate. Once this appointment is made, the Executor must begin the process of (1) collecting the decedent's assets in the name of the estate, (2) paying the decedent's debts, bills, and taxes (including estate and income taxes), (3) distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries, and (4) accounting for and closing the estate, all according to rules and laws promulgated by both the state and the probate court. Stephanie can assist Executors/Administrators with this process and can advise on all aspects of administering an estate, including:

• Information regarding the probate process;
• Assessment of the estate and an outline and necessary steps for probate or for transferring assets without probate;
• Drafting and filing the necessary court documents;
• Direction regarding the preparation and filing of a federal estate tax return if necessary; and
• Assistance with disbursement of estate assets and closing of the estate.

The Trustee manages and distributes assets that belong to the trust and the beneficiaries. The Trustee owes a fiduciary duty to the beneficiary, and to any residual beneficiaries who may be entitled to trust funds upon the death of the principal beneficiary. A Trustee's position has great responsibility and, correspondingly, potential liability. Therefore, a Trustee often needs the advice of a qualified attorney. Stephanie can provide advice on all aspects of trust adminstration, including:

• Adhering to the terms of the trust;
• Complying with state law; and
• Working with accountants regarding accountings and federal and state tax returns.

Health Care Directives

Health Care Directives typically have one or more of the following components:

• Selection of Health Care Agent. You can authorize another person to make health care decisions for you when you are no longer able to do so.
• Living Will/Health Care Instructions. A Living Will (also called Health Care Instructions) allows you to specify in advance what kinds of end-of-life treatments, if any, you would like if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
• Organ Donation Instructions (CT only).
• Designation of a Conservator of the Person (CT only). You can select in advance the individual you would like the court to appoint to be in charge of your care if you become incapable to make your own decisions.

Powers of Attorney

A durable power of attorney designates a person of your choosing to control and administer your assets and financial affairs in the event of your incapacity. This document is effective upon its execution and continues to be effective after you become disabled or incapacitated.