Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
An estate planning attorney is extremely useful to help you deal with the issues that arise when a family member suddenly passes away or requires intensive medical care. The attorney can provide services to facilitate asset distribution, minimizing tax fees and clarifying the final wishes of the family member. The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, defines an estate as the net worth of a person at a specific time–in some cases at time of death. This includes the final amount of someone’s assets, legal rights and interest in property (real or intellectual).
Transferring property after someone’s passing can be difficult if they did not hold a title to the property. In some cases, a beneficiary can be allowed by a lender to inherit property. Usually a lender requires they be paid the full amount of the loan upon death of the property owner and typically the lender will not refinance a loan on property given to someone in the form of inheritance. It is highly advised to consult with an experienced Estate and Probate attorney such as the Estate Planning Attorney locals have been trusting for years!
Estate Planning Services
A licensed and insured estate planning attorney can help you with protect your assets in case of unforeseen circumstances through trusts. Trusts contain real estate, titles for your vehicles, beneficiary deeds and the transfer of bank account balances. Creating a trust will help establish inheritances, choose your executor, and decide who distributes your funds and assets.
Attorneys can help with documents such as living wills, medical directives, living or revocable trusts, choosing who is granted power of attorney, formation and administration of trusts, probate litigation and guardianships and conservatorships.
A Guardian and a Conservator
Before you become unable to manage healthcare or financial matters, you may want to consult an estate law attorney to form a conservatorship and guardianship. A court-appointed conservator manages the financial situation of a patient and a guardian provides care and makes medical decisions for the patient. .
“What if my loved one doesn’t have a will?”
Probate litigation happens when someone dies without a will; if a conservator or guardian is unable or ineffectively honoring their obligations and duties; or possibly if seniors have been financially taken advantage of. They could be victims of fraudsters, caregivers or family members.
Important Tax Concerns
It is incredibly important to hire an attorney with a thorough knowledge of estate tax law, especially one who can inform you of IRS regulations.
An estate of $5 million or more (or $10 million or more for married couples) is subject to a federal estate tax and estates affected by this tax owe 40 percent in gift estate tax or generation-skipping transfer tax. This affects gifts from grandparent to grandchild.
An estate law attorney can negotiate IRS regulations and protocols on your behalf and provide other services including dealing with unfiled federal and state tax returns; IRS and state payment plans; and wage garnishments, liens and audits. Ensure your financial future and meet with an estate planning attorney to discuss your financial options and obligations for yourself and your loved ones.
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Nancy Wallace15 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!Posted on Google
Cheryl Adkins16 days agoWe loved the staff at Patterson Bray. Everyone was very professional. Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well. We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.Posted on Google
Hailey Wade40 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.Posted on Google
Deb Clark45 days agoMy experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional. From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs. My documents were completed timely and professionally. I highly recommend Patterson Bray.Posted on Google
Tanya White45 days agoPattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part. Gabby put together a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.Posted on Google
Charmaine Sego46 days agoPatterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.Posted on Google
Phil Chamberlain62 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.Posted on Google
Catherine McGee82 days agoHeath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!Posted on Google
Marva Johnson88 days agoI FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE. M.JOHNSONPosted on Google
Pam Nicole89 days agoWe set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.
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