- By: jwwikel
- 03 Mar. 2022
Do you have one of those friends who is always bragging on her family? Her children are perfect. Her husband is perfect. Even her mother-in-law is simply perfect. You know she’s lying, right? The truth is, as long as families are made up of humans, there is no such thing as the perfect family. And, as long as families are imperfect, these issues will impact many aspects of our legal lives. Family members who are addicted, mentally ill, or just plain difficult or poorly behaved can affect estate planning, family business ownership and management, and land transactions. Divorce may result. A loved one may end up in jail. At Ness & Jett, LLC, we know there are all sorts of loving families adapting to all sorts of stresses. We would like to assist you in planning the most perfect solution for your imperfect family.
Estate Planning
We can assist you in drafting wills and trusts to manage your assets during your lifetime and to facilitate the distribution of your assets after your death. Children with special needs may require special provisions to ensure that your generosity does not deprive them of much needed public assistance. A family member who is much loved but not very good at managing money may require a trustee to oversee his share of the estate. Blended families bring their own issues to the estate planning process. Whatever your need or special issue, we can assist you in determining how best to deal with that in your estate plan.
Life Management
Who will make and express your healthcare decisions when you are unable to do so for yourself? We can assist you with a Healthcare Power of Attorney or Living Will. These items are more than simply forms. Using one of these documents off the internet, or purchasing a “kit” for such needs, deprives you of the legal advice, wisdom, and insight of attorneys who can guide you through the decision-making process. After all, once you’re mentally incapacitated, you can no longer choose your substitute decision maker.
Perhaps you would like to authorize your loved one to conduct your business at times when it is impossible or simply inconvenient for you to do it. A Power of Attorney can achieve this goal, and we can guide you through this process. If you become incapacitated and do not have such a document, it may fall to your family and the Probate Court to decide who will govern your affairs and how they will do so. A Power of Attorney puts you in charge of that decision, while you are able to decide.
Family Business and Assets
Family dynamics can complicate business and asset ownership and management. Perhaps an asset should be in trust. Maybe your family business requires a more structured organization and management agreement. We at Ness & Jett, LLC, would be glad to discuss these issues with you and help you search for solutions that accommodate your family and business needs.
Family Court and Criminal Representation
Sometimes, there is no perfect solution. If divorce is the only option, or your loved one has found himself on the wrong side of the law, we handle criminal matters, as well as certain Family Court cases, and would be honored to discuss those with you.
Call Ness & Jett, LLC, today, to put our team to work to meet your family’s legal needs.