Nashville Estate Planning Lawyer
Planning for the future of your life and legacy can be done through estate planning. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we know that what you have built over your lifetime so far probably means very much to you. Before you pass away, you may want to make sure that certain loved ones receive the inheritance that you want them to have. Our Nashville, TN estate planning lawyer can talk with you about the various estate planning tools that can be used to protect your assets now and into the future. Contact us today to learn more!
What Our Estate Planning Help Can Do For You
Our estate planning knowledge allows us to be able to help individuals and families plan for their future. There are many ways you can safeguard your assets, but what tools you use will depend on your needs. Whether you are just starting your first draft or want to update an old one, our estate planning attorney can make sure your best interests are protected. Imagining a time when you are no longer here with loved ones can be difficult, but it is essential in transferring your estate to those you care about the most when the time comes to do so. Do not risk your legacy by not having an estate plan, as the probate court and state could have more say in how your assets are distributed than you would have wanted.
If you do not have an estate plan and pass on, your estate will end up in probate court. This can cause stress to your loved ones who will already be grieving their loss of you. Not having an estate plan can result in family conflicts or others attempting to obtain a portion of your wealth or assets. By having our Nashville estate planning lawyer assist you, you can rest assured knowing we are using our law knowledge to secure the future of your estate. Please reach out to our estate planning attorney today if you would like assistance!
Why Experience Makes A Difference In Estate Planning
Protecting what you have accumulated in your life so far is important in ensuring it does not end up being handled in a manner you wouldn’t have preferred after death. Clients rely on our services because we are:
- Both compassionate and generous with our knowledge and time.
- Honest and transparent about what your potential risks are and provide solutions for protecting your assets.
- A team who finds reward in solving problems for our clients so they don’t have to worry about the future of their legacy.
At Patterson Bray PLLC, we believe in the lasting and positive effects that estate planning can have on a person and their family. Our Nashville estate planning lawyer can use various tools to safeguard what you value the most until it is time for your departure. We want to make sure that your closest loved ones receive the part of you that you want them to have after you have passed on. Let us guide you through the process of estate planning for your legacy today!
Types Of Estate Planning Cases We Handle
Preparing for the future is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take to protect the people and property you care about most. At Blaszkow Legal, our team brings decades of legal experience to help individuals and families create customized estate plans with clarity and confidence. Our practice focuses exclusively on injury and related legal matters, and we’ve earned a reputation for trust and commitment in every case we take on. Our lead attorney, Joe Blaszkow, is an Army veteran and seasoned litigator with a deep understanding of how to handle sensitive legal decisions with care and precision. If you’re considering your long-term wishes, contact our professionals today to speak with our Alexandria, VA estate planning lawyer who puts your goals first.
Wills And Testamentary Documents
Creating a will allows you to direct how your assets will be distributed after death. We help clients clearly outline their wishes and name guardians, beneficiaries, and executors to avoid family disputes later on.
Revocable Living Trusts
A living trust is a flexible way to manage your property while you’re alive and transfer it smoothly after death. We draft and manage revocable trusts that help clients maintain control and privacy while avoiding probate.
Irrevocable Trusts For Asset Protection
For those looking to minimize estate taxes or protect assets from creditors, an irrevocable trust may be the right choice. These trusts remove property from your personal estate while offering long-term planning benefits.
Powers Of Attorney
Our team helps clients designate trusted individuals to make financial or legal decisions on their behalf in case of incapacity. This document is key for preserving stability and avoiding court intervention.
Advance Medical Directives
Also known as living wills, these documents state your preferences for end-of-life medical care. We guide clients through difficult conversations to make certain that their values are documented and respected.
Special Needs Trusts
If you have a loved one with a disability, a special needs trust can protect their eligibility for government assistance while still providing financial support. These trusts are carefully structured to meet federal and state requirements.
Business Succession Planning
For business owners, succession planning is indispensable. We create legal strategies to help transfer leadership, assign ownership, or dissolve companies according to your preferences, reducing disruption for your family or partners.
Probate And Estate Administration
Even with a plan in place, some estates go through probate. We assist executors and families with managing legal paperwork, asset distribution, and dispute resolution during what is often a difficult time.
Charitable Giving And Legacy Planning
Some clients want their estate to support causes they care about. We help structure charitable trusts, donor-advised funds, or bequests that align with your philanthropic goals.
Each person’s circumstances are different, which is why a personalized approach is imperative. Working with our Alexandria estate planning lawyer, who understands both legal requirements and your personal values, helps you make informed decisions that carry a lasting impact. Let Blaszkow Legal walk you through your options and build a plan that brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Reach out today to get started with our dedicated Alexandria estate planning attorney.
Common Benefits Of Hiring An Estate Planning Lawyer
Planning for the future is never easy, especially when it involves legal documents and sensitive family matters. However, working with a professional can help provide peace of mind and make the process much smoother. A Nashville, TN estate planning lawyer may offer guidance, knowledge, and support to protect your legacy and loved ones. Here are some of the most important benefits you can expect when seeking legal help for estate planning.
Tailored Legal Guidance For Your Needs
Every family and financial situation is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for estate planning. A skilled attorney can create a personalized plan that reflects your unique goals, assets, and family structure. From drafting wills to establishing trusts, you’ll have documents that clearly reflect your wishes and stand up in court if ever challenged.
Protection Against Costly Mistakes
DIY estate planning might seem simple, but it often leads to costly errors. Misfiled documents, unclear instructions, or missing signatures can create unnecessary disputes later. An estate planning attorney confirms that every form is completed properly, every detail is addressed, and nothing important is overlooked.
Assistance With Complicated Assets
If you own multiple properties, a business, or investments, handling your estate requires advanced legal strategies. An experienced attorney helps you manage these difficult tasks, providing a smooth transfer and protecting your beneficiaries from potential legal complications or tax burdens. This level of detail is especially important when considering business succession or charitable giving.
Avoidance Of Probate Delays And Disputes
The probate process can be long, expensive, and emotionally draining for families. By planning ahead with a lawyer, you can minimize or even avoid probate. Tools such as trusts, beneficiary designations, and carefully drafted documents keep your assets moving quickly to your loved ones while reducing the chance of family disputes.
Comprehensive Planning Beyond A Will
Estate planning is more than writing a will. It includes medical directives, powers of attorney, guardianship designations, and long-term care considerations. A professional will guide you through each of these decisions so that your wishes are carried out even if you become unable to speak for yourself.
Peace Of Mind For Your Loved Ones
Perhaps the greatest benefit of estate planning is the relief it gives your family. Clear documents prevent confusion, arguments, and financial strain after your passing. By working with Patterson Bray, you are not only protecting your assets but also offering your loved ones the gift of certainty during a difficult time.
Why Choose Patterson Bray For Estate Planning
Patterson Bray PLLC has assembled a unique team of highly trained and experienced professionals offering a diverse, yet complementary range of services. Our clients depend on us to be their strategic partners and advisors, whether they are faced with a valuable opportunity or a difficult challenge, or a dispute. Patterson Bray offers services in connection with business and commercial litigation, personal injury, automobile accidents, medical and legal malpractice, products liability, wrongful death, construction litigation and lien disputes, and government relations/public policy. Our attorneys also practice in the areas of estate planning and post-death administration, as well as asset protection planning, charitable planned giving, trust administration, and business succession and taxes.
Hiring a Nashville, TN estate planning lawyer from our firm gives you the advantage of expertise and protection that goes beyond simple document preparation. If you are ready to secure your legacy and protect your family’s future, contact Patterson Bray today. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Nashville, TN Estate Planning FAQs
Do I Really Need An Estate Plan?
An estate plan is essential for protecting your assets, your wishes, and your family. Without one, Tennessee law decides who receives your property, which may not align with your intentions. A plan also allows you to name guardians for children, designate powers of attorney, and reduce tax burdens. Even if you think you do not have “enough” assets, an estate plan ensures clarity and peace of mind. Talking with our Nashville, TN estate planning lawyer may help you understand the right tools for your situation.
Can I Make My Own Will In Tennessee?
Yes, but with caution. Tennessee allows handwritten wills if they meet strict legal standards, but errors are common and can cause disputes. Online templates may not address state-specific rules or your unique situation. Working with a Nashville estate planning lawyer from our firm helps you avoid mistakes that could make a will invalid. A properly drafted will ensures your wishes are honored and minimizes the chance of costly challenges later.
Is A Trust Better Than A Will?
Not always. Both serve important purposes. A will explains how property should be distributed, but it often requires probate. A trust, on the other hand, allows assets to transfer privately and often faster, avoiding probate. Trusts can also provide tax advantages and protect beneficiaries over time. Whether a trust or a will is better depends on your goals, family dynamics, and financial situation. An estate planning attorney can help you decide which structure works best for you.
What Happens If I Die Without A Will In Tennessee?
If you die without a will, Tennessee’s intestacy laws control how your property is divided. This usually means your spouse, children, or closest relatives inherit. However, the split may not match your wishes. For example, a surviving spouse does not always inherit everything if children are involved. The process may take longer, create family conflict, and involve more court oversight. Having a will or trust in place avoids uncertainty and ensures your assets are handled as you intend.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Every few years, or after major life events. Marriage, divorce, birth of a child, starting a business, or moving to another state are all good times to review your plan. Laws can also change, affecting how your estate is handled. Regular updates help make sure your documents reflect your current wishes and circumstances. A Nashville estate planning lawyer may review your plan and keep it aligned with both state law and your life changes.
Closing Thoughts On Protecting Your Legacy
Estate planning is about protecting loved ones and providing peace of mind. Having a clear plan saves your family stress, expense, and uncertainty during an already difficult time. If you are ready to take the next step, Patterson Bray may guide you through every part of the process. Patterson Bray offers services in connection with business and commercial litigation, personal injury, automobile accidents, medical and legal malpractice, products liability, wrongful death, construction litigation and lien disputes, and government relations/public policy. Our attorneys also practice in estate planning, post-death administration, asset protection planning, charitable planned giving, trust administration, and business succession and taxes.