Wills, Trusts & Probate

Northwest Arkansas Wills, Trusts, & Probate Attorneys

Expert Guidance for Wills, Trusts, & Probate Matters

If your goal is to protect your legacy and make sure the loved ones in your life are financially secure after you pass away, then you need to meet with our dedicated and compassionate legal team at Martin Attorneys, PA to draft a comprehensive estate and probate plan. One of the most important steps you can take to care for your family and show your love for them is to draft and execute crucial legal documents that will convey your wishes in case you die or become incapacitated.

Our dedicated legal team is here to help you draft and execute any of the following estate planning documents:

Last Will and Testament
Living Wills
Joint Wills
Holographic Wills
Durable Power of Attorney
Medical Power of Attorney
Revocable Trusts
Irrevocable Trusts
Charitable Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Testamentary Trusts
Asset Protection Trusts

We also help families across Northwest Arkansas with Probate, which is a legal process through the Courts that is generally required after a person passes away. Probate can be done with or without a will, but it is much easier on your family if you have a valid will. To discuss what to expect from probate, reach out to a Wills, Trusts, & Probate Attorney.

Contact us online or call (479) 888-2039 to talk to a legal professional at our law firm about your estate planning concerns.

Why Estate Planning is Crucial for Your Family

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your family is protected after you’re gone. It goes beyond simply deciding how to distribute your assets; it’s about providing peace of mind to your loved ones during what is likely to be a difficult time. Without a clear plan, your family could face confusion, delays, and financial stress, which can be compounded if there are disputes over your estate. By creating a comprehensive estate plan, you ensure that your wishes are respected, and your family is supported.

A well-crafted estate plan allows you to specify exactly how you want your assets distributed. Whether you have real estate, savings, or valuable personal items, a will or trust can ensure these are passed on according to your desires. Additionally, if you have young children, designating guardians in your estate plan guarantees that they will be cared for by someone you trust, avoiding the potential for family conflicts.

Furthermore, proper estate planning reduces the burden on your family. Without it, loved ones might face prolonged legal battles, which can delay the distribution of assets and lead to unnecessary costs. Estate planning also provides clarity, ensuring your family understands what to do and how to proceed.

Another key benefit is the potential to minimize estate taxes and avoid legal complications. Estate taxes can take a significant portion of your assets if not planned for correctly, but a strategic estate plan can help mitigate this. Trusts, for example, can be structured in a way that reduces tax liabilities while protecting your assets for future generations.

How to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Many people make mistakes that can complicate matters for their families after their passing. Failing to update your will after major life changes, like marriage, divorce, or the birth of children, can lead to unintended consequences. Additionally, forgetting to name a backup beneficiary can result in assets being distributed to unintended individuals. Not considering the tax implications of your estate could also leave your family with a larger financial burden. Our experienced Wills, Trusts, & Probate Attorneys are here to help you navigate these challenges and create a plan that meets your specific needs.

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Does Every Estate Need To Go Through Probate?

No, not every estate needs to go through probate. The requirement for probate largely depends on the type and value of the assets involved, and the laws of the state where the deceased person resided.

Probate may not always be required if the assets are owned jointly or if the deceased person's estate is small. If an estate’s total value is less than $100,000, it can be settled through small estate administration. Certain assets, including retirement funds or life insurance, usually flow straight to the designated beneficiaries and don't require going through probate. In a similar vein, assets held in a joint tenancy or living trust also avoid the probate procedure.

However, when a person dies without a will (intestate) or owns sole assets that do not have designated beneficiaries, those assets generally must go through probate. If you want to ensure that your estate is planned properly and that you avoid the probate process, be sure to consult with a qualified Arkansas probate attorney at Martin Attorneys, PA. We have years of experience and a thorough understanding of Arkansas probate laws -- get in touch with a Wills, Trusts, & Probate Attorney.

Understanding Wills, Trusts & Probate in Northwest Arkansas

Planning for the future with wills, trusts, and probate is essential for families in Northwest Arkansas. Local resources, such as the Arkansas Department of Human Services, provide valuable information on estate planning and legal rights. Understanding these tools can help you make informed decisions about your family's future and ensure your loved ones are cared for and protected.

Understanding Common Challenges Clients Face

Residents often face important decisions when it comes to managing assets, ensuring financial security, and planning for the distribution of estates. Many families worry about the complexities of probate or securing assets for future generations, which can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. Our team at Martin Attorneys, PA can guide clients in creating wills and trusts tailored to your family's unique needs, simplifying the estate planning process.

By addressing common concerns such as asset protection, probate challenges, and trust planning, we can help you develop a comprehensive strategy that brings peace of mind to you and your family. With our knowledge of local laws and resources, we provide practical and effective guidance for residents of Northwest Arkansas navigating wills, trusts, and probate.

Contact us online or call (479) 888-2039 to talk to a legal professional at our law firm about your estate planning concerns.

Proudly Helping Families in Arkansas Plan for the Future

Do you want more information about the legal tools you need to properly plan for your family’s future? If so, stop by or our law office or give us a call to talk with an estate planning lawyer about your situation. Once our legal professionals become familiar with your finances and estate planning goals, we will devise a customized legal strategy to protect your best interests.

Regardless of your age or health, you need to draft a will that specifies who you want your assets and property to be distributed to when you pass away. The news is full of stories where accidents happen and a person is hospitalized or worse, so don’t hesitate to contact Martin Attorneys, PA to discuss what estate planning tools you need to set your family up for the future.

To speak to a lawyer at Martin Attorneys, PA about any of the estate planning tools listed above, please give us a call at (479) 888-2039.

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I am so thankful that attorneys like Shea Crosby exist! Admittedly, I didn't know what I needed or wanted prior to my initial consultation with Shea. I had met or spoke with several other lawyers before meeting her. Each and every time I left feeling defeated, insignificant, or like a dollar sign. Shea was the first attorney to listen to me thoroughly, take me seriously, show compassion, and speak honestly with me about my case. Her level of professionalism continued throughout the entirety of my case, which lasted just shy of ten months. Shea was always easily accessible through text, email, and phone calls. She fought for me, and my family, and she believed in me, even at times when others didn't. At the end of the day, Shea helped me negotiate an agreement which provided me and my family the relief and protections we NEEDED, and WANTED. I am so very grateful for her. It's not often one is sad when their legal proceedings have ended (when they've "won"). But that is exactly how I felt. Shea was my advisor, advocate, and by time it was over, I also considered her a friend. Her real world experience made her not only relatable, but often times my confidant. I highly recommend Shea Crosby to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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I went to Stephen Fisher at Martin Attorneys, PA with a difficult situation in which I was trying to make an ex-spouse rise to a level of either upholding his commitments of our divorce decree in regards to our children or move on and stop causing emotional damage etc.

Mr. Fisher was extremely compassionate and also very resourceful in helping us all come to the table to find a solution that, while still in the trial period, allows an environment for both parents to flourish and to be given every reason and opportunity to believe that all efforts have been made on both sides of the table to provide the best outcome for those most vulnerable and important – our kids.

I will definitely seek Mr. Fisher’s legal advice for matters in the future and refer friend’s family and strangers to him and his office. 5 Stars all the way!
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They are great lawyers that really care about helping you. I went and saw them for a couple of matters that I was having trouble with and they helped me out in a very professional manner. They made this whole legal process simple and easy to understand. Their staff was awesome and very friendly. Overall I would definitely recommend them to my friends.
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I went to Martin Attorneys to file for bankruptcy and during my filing my car was repossessed, with their help I was able to get it back. Martin Attorneys know what they are doing and they know the law, I highly recommend Martin Attorneys should you need help.
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They were very helpful and extremely nice. I can't thank them enough for helping my family and I get through the tough times we went through. The staff was very welcoming and understanding, I really recommend their help if anyone is looking for good lawyers!
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