Estate Planning & Administration

The link between estate planning and estate administration is crucial to the development of a full and complete estate plan which maximizes the most advantageous tax strategy and a minimum of post death administration and potential litigation. John Hagarty is fully knowledgeable and experienced in a wide variety of areas of estate planning and administration.

These areas include:

• preparation of wills, trust documents, and durable powers of attorney to effectuate estate planning goals
• reducing or eliminating estate administration expenses
• comprehensive and effective estate administration on an "as needed" basis with a wide variety of payment options
• utilization of living will, health care power of attorney and other documents to assist elderly clients and their families as they face life changes
• creation of marital trust and credit shelter trust to maximize tax advantages
• quick and effective estate administration strategies for both large and small estates

Often, litigation in the Orphan's Court results primarily from a lack of comprehensive planning. The costs of such litigation can significantly deplete estate assets available for distribution. John Hagarty has extensive experience in Orphan's Court litigation including:

• will contests
• surcharge hearings
• objections to accountings