A Will Should Reflect the Life You Actually Built
For rural families, estate planning may involve a home, acreage, a farm corporation, equipment, livestock, business shares and children whose roles in the family business are not all the same.
David Chatten Law helps clients create a practical plan, explain it clearly, and coordinate the legal documents that support it. Where tax planning is important, we can work with your accountant and other advisers so the legal plan and financial plan point in the same direction.
Wills
Your will can name an estate trustee, set out who receives your property, create trusts where appropriate and provide instructions that reduce uncertainty for your family.
- Individual and couple wills
- Farm-family wills and succession-related estate planning
- Blended-family considerations
- Business and corporate interests
- Guardianship and trust planning where appropriate
Powers of Attorney
A complete estate plan should also address what happens while you are alive if illness, injury or incapacity makes it difficult or impossible to manage your own affairs. We prepare Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care and explain what authority you are giving.
Farm Succession and Estate Planning
Passing a farm to the next generation is often more complicated than simply naming a beneficiary in a will. The plan may need to address ownership of land, shares of a farm corporation, equipment, debt, the needs of a surviving spouse and fairness between farming and non-farming children.
We can help build the legal side of the succession plan and coordinate with your accountant so decisions are not made in isolation.
Flat-Fee Estate Planning
Many wills and Power of Attorney packages can be handled for a flat fee. The exact scope and fee are confirmed before work begins, particularly where farm succession, corporations, trusts or unusual family circumstances are involved.
Estate Planning FAQs
Can my farm succession plan be part of my will?
Yes, but a complete succession plan may require more than a will. Depending on the ownership structure, it may involve corporate documents, agreements, land transfers, insurance or tax planning.
Can you meet with the whole farm family?
Where appropriate and after addressing confidentiality and conflict issues, family meetings can be useful. We will explain who the client is and how information will be handled before a joint discussion.
Do you offer flat fees?
Yes, flat-fee pricing is available for many defined-scope wills and estate planning matters. More complex planning is quoted after the facts are reviewed.