Get Assistance With Your Estate Planning Including Wills and Trusts
At Gellhaus & Gellhaus Attorneys at Law, we help families in Aberdeen and throughout Northeastern South Dakota understand the purpose and value of having a Last Will and Testament, Living Wills, Health Directive, Durable Powers of Attorney, and Revocable Trusts. In the event something happens to you, it is important to make sure your family is taken care of. That is why we will work diligently to ensure your family is properly protected and your wishes carried through at the time of death.
Estate Planning
Finding the right estate plan for your family can be a difficult decision to decide without legal representation. At our firm, our goal is to help you understand every component of your estate plan from tax liabilities to trustees.
Estate Planning For Farmers & Ranchers
The value of land has increased tremendously in the last few years, and many farmers’ livelihoods are becoming more lucrative as a result. With changes in land values, we can help ensure your current estate planning documents still achieve your goals. If the value of your land has changed considerably, we can help you take the necessary steps to protect your land and avoid unnecessary tax penalties.
Will
A Will is a legal document that outlines how a person wishes their estate to be distributed after death. It allows individuals to determine who will receive their property and other assets, and to appoint guardians for minor children. It is an important document for ensuring that a person's wishes are carried out and that their loved ones are taken care of. We can help to ensure that the Will is valid and properly executed.
Trusts
A Trust is a legal document in which a person (the settlor) transfers ownership of assets to another person or entity (the trustee) to hold and manage for the benefit of another (the beneficiary). It can be used to manage the distribution of assets during a person's life, or upon their death, to reduce taxes and other costs, and to protect assets from creditors. We can provide important advice in establishing and managing a Trust. Our trusts include:
- Family living trusts
- Revocable and irrevocable trusts
- Special needs trusts
Probate
Probate is the legal process of administering an estate after a person's death, including the collection and distribution of assets. It involves the court approving a Will and appointing an executor to manage the estate. We can provide necessary guidance to ensure that the probate process is done accurately and efficiently.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which an individual (the principal) gives another person (the agent) the authority to act on their behalf. This can include managing financial matters, making medical decisions, or taking other legal actions. We can help to create a valid Power of Attorney document and advise on its use.
Living Will
A Living Will is a legal document in which an individual outlines their wishes regarding medical care should they become unable to communicate their decisions. It can include instructions on the types of treatments they would or would not like to receive. We can provide important advice in creating a valid and enforceable Living Will.
Guardian & Conservatorship
Guardianship and Conservatorship are legal processes in which a court appoints an individual (the guardian or conservator) to manage the affairs of another (the ward or protected person) who is unable to do so. The guardian or conservator is responsible for making decisions related to the ward's health, safety, and financial matters. We can provide important advice in navigating the guardianship and conservatorship processes.