Estate Planning

Here at the Maverick Law Group, our job is to make sure that from your first visit to your signing, that you feel comfortable with an understanding of how your individual estate plan fits your needs. When you complete your estate plan with us, you have the peace of mind that your affairs are in order should the situation arise.

We do not believe that every person needs the same estate plan; we will look at your own individual assets and assist in putting together the best estate plan for your individual needs.

An estate plan may consist of the following:

Last Will and Testament - This document lets you dictate the distribution of your estate, but does not avoid probate. Instead, a judge will review the Will and, through an application submitted to the court, will appoint the Personal Representative of your estate-the executor who has the fiduciary duty to do everything correctly according to your wishes. Included in the Will is a provision provided by North Dakota statute, allowing a handwritten gift list for personal items.

Durable Power of Attorney - This document appoints someone in the event that you become incapacitated such that you are not mentally cognizant enough to handle your own affairs. This person will be allowed to sign your name to any document to keep your financial affairs in order, by signing checks, getting medical records, etc.

Advanced Health Directive - This document is the last written document and decision you get to make during end-of-life scenarios so that your loved ones do not have to make these decisions for you. This document is sometimes called a Living Will, but here at Maverick Law Group, we do not call it that so as not to be confused with a Will.

Trusts - The main purposes behind any trust is to have a smooth transition upon your passing, avoid probate, potentially control your assets past your life, or protect your assets (if in an irrevocable trust). To learn more about trusts, please see our other blog articles.