Estate Planning
Our belief is that the “cookie cutter” approach to estate planning is detrimental to a client and their loved ones due to its ineffectiveness. Each family is unique and has different concerns.
As an attorney with 20+ years’ experience, and former Tolland Probate Judge, attorney George A. Baker has the expertise and compassion needed to address unique situations. George provides the right planning tools that address some common estate planning issues that involve:
- Transfer and/or preservation of assets
- Protection of minor children and children with disabilities
- Transfer of a business to the next generation
- Equalization of assets among beneficiaries
- Future disability or incapacity
- Disinheritance of a family member
- Second marriage and children from a first marriage
- Charitable giving
- Federal and state gift and estate tax planning
- Dealing with capital gain from highly appreciated assets
- Caring for a pet
- Providing financial support to a loved one during their lifetime
- Lifetime gifting
- Funding education of children and grandchildren
George works closely with client resources (accountants, bankers, financial advisors and insurance representatives) to structure and coordinate an estate plan. A complete plan not only includes legal documents, it also involves the coordination of assets necessary to carry out the provisions in the plan. This includes titling of assets, preparation of deeds, and changing beneficiaries.
Typical Estate Plan Documents include the following:
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Will
- Durable or Springing Powers of Attorney
- Appointment of Health Care Agent and Conservator
- Appointment of Guardian for minor children
- Revocable Trust or Testamentary Trust
- Charitable Trust
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust