Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman

The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman offers a range of legal services and can assist with the preparation of various documents related to estate planning. Here are some of the foundational documents and special legal services they provide: Foundational Documents: Revocable Living Trust: This document allows you to transfer your assets into a trust during your lifetime and provides instructions for their management and distribution upon your death. A revocable living trust can help avoid probate and maintain privacy. Last Will and Testament: A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. It can also designate guardians for minor children and express your funeral and burial wishes. Financial Power of Attorney: This document appoints someone you trust as your agent to handle financial matters on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Advance Health Care Directive: An advance health care directive, also known as a living will or medical power of attorney, allows you to specify your healthcare preferences and appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. Other Trusts: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts: These trusts are specifically designed to hold life insurance policies and provide tax benefits and asset protection. Retirement Plan Trusts: These trusts are created to manage and distribute retirement assets, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, in a tax-efficient manner. Asset Protected Trusts: These trusts are structured to safeguard assets from creditors and potential lawsuits. Special Needs Trusts: Special needs trusts are created to protect the assets of individuals with disabilities while allowing them to receive government benefits. Pet Trusts: Pet trusts provide for the care and maintenance of pets after the owner's death, ensuring their well-being. Services Involving Trusts and Estates: Probate Administration: The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman can guide and represent clients in the probate process, which involves validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets according to the terms of the will or state laws. Trust Administration: They can assist with the management and distribution of assets held in a trust, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Court Petition to Gather Assets Into Trust (Heggstad Petition): If assets were not properly titled in a trust, a Heggstad petition can be filed with the court to transfer those assets into the trust after the decedent's death. Court Petition to Modify an Irrevocable Trust: In certain circumstances, it may be possible to seek court approval for modifications to an irrevocable trust.