With approachable, professional service and years of proven experience, we bring the highest commitment to every client at every stage of representation—we’re here to support you.
Business Succession Planning
At Heinimann Law, we develop business succession plans that safeguard the interests of both the client and their family. Representative services include transferring ownership, selling equity stakes, settling debts, selling business assets and ownership disputes.
Business succession planning prepares your company for a smooth transition when you pass away or if you become disabled. It clarifies who will take over leadership, how ownership will transfer, and how business operations will continue.
Without a clear plan, a business can face confusion, disputes, or even closure. Succession planning protects employees, customers, and family members who depend on the business.
Our experienced estate planning attorneys work with you to create a strong succession strategy. They can structure trusts, or ownership transfers so your business legacy continues successfully. At Heinimann Law, we also confer with your financial advisors and CPA to craft the best estate plan for our business and personal needs.
Estate Planning
Heinimann Law designs flexible estate plans that adapt as your circumstances change. From the creation of wills to administration of trusts, to advanced tax planning, Heinimann Law can manage the most complex estate needs.
Our services include revocable and irrevocable trust planning, estate tax planning, post-mortem income and estate tax planning, advanced directives for incapacity and the preparation of gift tax, estate tax and income tax filings for individuals, estates and trusts and more.
Estate planning is the process of organizing your financial and personal affairs, so your wishes are followed if you become unable to make decisions for yourself or after you pass away. It includes documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Estate planning is for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones, property, and peace of mind.
A thoughtful estate plan helps you decide who will care for minor children, who will receive your assets, and how your finances will be managed. It can also reduce family stress by providing clear instructions during emotional times. Without an estate plan, state laws — not your wishes—may decide what happens.
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney at Heinimann Law ensures your plan is legally sound and updated as your life changes. Our attorneys can help you avoid costly mistakes, minimize taxes when possible, and create a plan that truly reflects your goals and values.
Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that states who will receive your assets after you pass away and who will manage your estate. It can also name guardians for minor children, which is one of the most important decisions parents can make.
Without a will, a state’s intestate laws decide how your property is distributed, which may not reflect your wishes. A will can minimize confusion and disagreements among family members during an already challenging time.
Our experienced estate planning attorneys ensure your Will is valid, clear, and enforceable. We can help you navigate unique family situations, address potential tax issues, and update your will. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that allows someone you trust to manage your financial or legal matters if you cannot do so yourself. This person, called your agent, can pay bills and manage investments or real estate transactions.
A POA is especially important in an emergency or during an illness. Without one, your loved ones may need to go through court proceedings to gain authority to help you, which can be stressful and expensive.
An experienced estate planning attorney can create a POA tailored to your needs. They will help you choose the right person, define clear responsibilities, and ensure the documents comply with state law.
Trusts
For those with more complex needs, Heinimann Law’s advanced planning services include preparation and implementation of spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATS), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTS), and irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITS).
A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place assets under the care of a trustee for the benefit of someone else, called a beneficiary. Trusts can be used during your lifetime or after your death to manage and distribute assets in a structured and protected way.
People often turn to a trust to avoid a lengthy probate administration, protect assets for children or loved ones with special needs, or control how money is used over time. For example, a trust can provide funds for education, healthcare, or housing without giving a large inheritance to a beneficiary all at once.
Because trusts must be written carefully to meet legal requirements, an experienced estate planning attorney is essential. Our attorneys will recommend the right type of trust, ensure it is funded properly, and help you understand how it fits into your overall financial plan.
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts
A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust, often called a SLAT, is a special type of trust that allows one spouse to transfer assets into a trust for the benefit of the other spouse while potentially reducing estate taxes. The beneficiary spouse can still access trust funds. This provides flexibility while planning for your future.
SLATs are often used by couples who want to take advantage of current tax laws while keeping financial security within the family. They can help preserve wealth for children and grandchildren while still providing income for a surviving spouse.
Because SLATs involve complex tax rules and strict legal requirements, guidance from an experienced estate planning attorney is especially important. Our attorneys can structure the trust correctly, avoid unintended tax consequences, and ensure the plan aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Qualified Personal Residence Trusts
A Qualified Personal Residence Trust, or QPRT, allows you to transfer your home or vacation property into a trust while continuing to live in it for a set number of years. This strategy can reduce the taxable value of the property for estate tax purposes.
QPRTs are often used when real estate is expected to increase in value. By transferring ownership now, families can potentially save on future estate taxes and preserve property for future generations.
Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you decide if a QPRT makes sense for your situation. We will ensure the trust is structured properly and help you understand key details, such as what happens when the trust term ends and how it affects your taxes and ownership rights.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or ILIT, holds a life insurance policy outside your estate so the death benefit may not be subject to estate taxes. The trust can provide financial support for your family while helping preserve wealth.
ILITs may be used to provide funds for estate taxes, support loved ones, or create a financial legacy. They can be especially helpful for families who own businesses or property that might otherwise need to be sold quickly.
Because ILITs are irrevocable and cannot easily be changed, working with an experienced estate planning attorney is essential. Our attorneys will help you structure the trust correctly, carefully select beneficiaries, and make sure it works smoothly within your overall estate plan.
Probate
Probate courts ensure that a will is executed according to the wishes of the individual who has passed away. At Heinimann Law, we work hand-in-hand with our clients to ensure hard-earned property and assets are allocated fairly — and as intended.
Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. It includes validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets to heirs. In some cases, probate can take time and involve court supervision.
While probate is not always avoidable, good estate planning can simplify or reduce it. Trusts, beneficiary designations, and proper planning can make the process smoother for your loved ones.
An experienced estate planning attorney guides families through probate with care and efficiency. Working with the right attorney will help avoid delays, reduce paperwork and filing errors, and ensure the estate is handled according to the law and the person’s wishes.
Protecting What Matters Most
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.