Attorney in Charleston, WV

Estate Planning

Estate planning encompasses tax law applied to will and trust preparation
The Process:

  • List your assets
  • Explain the disposition of property to your attorney
  • Review the draft of the will
  • Review life insurance and qualified plan beneficiary forms
  • Consider buy/sell agreements if you have a small business
  • Retitling of assets to minimize joint tenancies
  • Sign will observing formal requisites
Review your will
  • After tax reform
  • After death of spouse or child
  • After attaining age 70

Probate

Probate is a process of ascertaining the authenticity of your last will and settling your estate.
After the death of a loved one, these items should be brought to the Fiduciary Supervisor’s office:

  • The original will
  • Death certificate
  • Decedent’s social security number
  • Your identification
  • Filing fees
  • Name of surety on your bond
  • List of heirs, including addresses
  • List of will beneficiaries, including addresses

Tax Law

Tax Law involves the interpretation of Internal Revenue Code provisions.
Tax Law encompasses:

  • Income taxes
  • Estate taxes
  • Gift taxes
  • Generation-skipping taxes

Services we provide

  • Opinions on tax issues and estate administration.
  • Preparation of federal estate and trust income tax returns.
  • Advice on year-end gift giving techniques.
  • Formation of family limited partnerships.
  • Hearings and appeals of tax controversies.
  • Advice on tax consequences of business mergers and buyouts.