Property

As clients begin to accumulate wealth, their focus shifts naturally to preserving and managing their assets and eventually to the terms by which they will pass on their estates. Our office assists clients in planning for the future, through partnerships with other business professionals as well as work done in-house.

Estate Planning

• Living Trusts.  A good living trust can eliminate the need for probate, get the most value out of federal estate tax exemptions, and protect your loved ones, while still maintaining flexibility for the use of your assets during your lifetime..
• Health-care directives.  Many clients underestimate the importance of planning. The Bartolotta Law Office assists clients in drafting their Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Nomination of Conservator. A Living Will allows the client to control his or her fate, in the event that life-support mechanisms are necessary. The Durable Power of Attorney allows the client to control who will be making his healthcare decisions, in the event of a temporary incapacity. The Nomination of Conservator allows the client to nominate someone to care for his estate, in the event that he is no longer able to do so. Without these forms, the client will fall under the jurisdiction of the probate court, which will have to guess at what the wishes of the client might have been.
• Business Planning.  Clients frequently overlook their business interests when planning how their estate will pass on to their heirs. Proper estate planning includes proper business planning as well, including choice of entity, registration with the state, and planning for the continuation of the business to the next generation.

Probate

• Conservatorships.  Attorney Bartolotta provides conservatorship services to clients who need someone else to manage their estate or their finances. Sometimes managing the estate of a family member who is terminally ill can be taxing on the loved ones. The appointment of an outside conservator allows the family members to focus their time and energy on the loved one, rather than administrative duties.
• Probating a will.  In the event that a client did not effectuate a living trust and, instead, used a Will, his estate will have to go through probate at the time of his death. The Bartolotta Law Office can assist the executor in this process.
• Closing services.  Review, explanation and execution of mortgage and loan documents.

Asset Management

• Choice of entity.  Many clients accumulate wealth in the form of real estate. The Bartolotta Law Office can help you decide what the best choice of entity is, in which to hold title to your real estate.
• Network of Business Professionals.  Attorney Bartolotta works closely with other business professionals, to provide a more comprehensive plan for your estate. These professionals include financial planners, insurance agents, and lenders.