Estate Planning
Wills
A Will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and appoint an executor to carry out your wishes. Wills are processed through probate, a court-supervised procedure that can be time-consuming and public.
At El Hazin & Associates, we work closely with clients to draft clear, enforceable wills that reflect their goals and minimize family conflict. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing will, we ensure your intentions are legally protected and effectively carried out.
Trusts
A Trust is a powerful estate planning tool that allows you to manage and distribute your assets both during your lifetime and after death—without going through probate. Trusts offer greater privacy, flexibility, and control compared to a will, and can be customized to suit a wide range of personal and family needs.
At El Hazin & Associates, we specialize in designing tailored trust solutions, including but not limited to:
- Revocable Living Trusts – Easily modified to adapt to life changes
- Irrevocable Trusts – Offer tax advantages and asset protection
- Blended Family Trusts – Ensure fair planning for families with children from previous relationships
- Single Parent Trusts – Designed to protect your children’s future
- Special Needs Trusts – Secure the long-term care of a loved one with a disability without affecting public assistance
With over two decades of experience, our firm provides the guidance and expertise needed to structure trusts that align with your financial goals and family dynamics.
Healthcare Directive
A Healthcare Directive allows individuals to clearly outline their medical care preferences in the event they are unable to communicate them. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and organ donation. Proper planning ensures that medical choices reflect your values and relieves loved ones from having to make difficult decisions on your behalf.
Experienced legal guidance helps ensure that these directives are thorough, compliant, and respected by healthcare providers when it matters most.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney gives a trusted person legal authority to manage your financial, legal, or medical affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. These documents can be tailored to grant broad or limited powers, depending on your needs and preferences.
Careful drafting and legal insight are essential to ensure that your interests are protected and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Prenuptial Agreements
A Prenuptial Agreement is a legal contract created before marriage that sets terms for how assets, debts, and property will be handled in the event of divorce or death. These agreements promote financial transparency and provide security for both parties.
Professionally prepared agreements are structured to be fair, enforceable, and aligned with both partners' expectations and long-term goals.
Postnuptial Agreements
A Postnuptial Agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement but is signed after the marriage has taken place. It can address changes in finances, business interests, or family needs, offering legal clarity and peace of mind.
These agreements are carefully drafted to reflect each couple’s evolving circumstances and protect shared and individual interests moving forward.