Estate Planning

Estate planning is more than just paperwork. It is about making thoughtful decisions today so your family is cared for, your wishes are honored, and your hard work is protected no matter what the future brings.

Many people think estate planning is only for the wealthy, but that could not be further from the truth. If you own a home, have a savings account, run a business, care for children, or even just want a say in what happens to your belongings, you already have an "estate" and you have the right to decide how it is handled. Without a plan, the law will make those choices for you, and the outcome may be far from what you would want.

Last Will & Testament

A will allows you to name who inherits your assets, who will be in charge of carrying out your wishes, and who will care for your children if they are under 18. Without one, these deeply personal decisions are made by the court, often in a way that does not reflect your values.

Revocable Living Trust

Think of this as a flexible container for your assets. You remain in control while you are alive, and after your passing, your assets are transferred to your beneficiaries without the delays and costs of probate.

Special Needs Trust

A trust built to care for a loved one with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for important public benefits.

Irrevocable Trust

Once created, the terms are generally permanent, which can make it a powerful tool for protecting assets from creditors, reducing taxes, or ensuring a charitable gift lasts for generations.

Power of Attorney Documents

These documents allow you to appoint someone you trust to make important decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. A financial power of attorney gives your chosen agent authority over your finances, while a healthcare power of attorney ensures your medical treatment choices are carried out according to your wishes. Having these in place can prevent costly court proceedings and ensure your voice is heard even if you cannot speak for yourself.

Estate planning is not only about distributing property. It is about easing the burden on the people you love during what will already be a difficult time. It is about giving them clarity, comfort, and security. At Bernardo Law Firm, we approach estate planning with the same personal attention and care we bring to every case because we know these decisions matter not just on paper, but in the lives of the people you care about most.