Thinking About Your Future? Let Us Guide You.
Last updated on April 21, 2025
A common misconception about estate planning is that it is only for the wealthy. This could not be further from the truth. The need to plan for one’s future is something that applies to everyone. In fact, most Indiana residents could benefit from working with an estate planning attorney.
At Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, our lawyers have provided quality and professional estate planning and real estate buying and selling services to families throughout northwest Indiana since the 1960s. For example, the probate process can take a lot of time, effort and money – three resources that grieving family members often have in short supply. We will help you plan for the future, often alleviating much of the expense and complications your family may have to face after you are gone.
Helping You With Estate Planning And Real Estate Transactions
During your lifetime, we will guide you to wise choices regarding buying and selling real estate. If you come to us before you sign the paperwork, our experienced real estate attorneys will make sure your property transfer is properly structured in order to avoid legal issues that may arise at a later date due to a divorce, remarriage or other family law issue.
As you plan for the future, we work with you to determine which documents are most important and appropriate for you, your family and your circumstances. Let us smooth the way for you and your family through the use of such estate planning tools as:
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Health care directives – also known as living wills or do-not-resuscitate (DNR) requests
- Special trusts for those needing long-term care due to aging or following serious injuries
Who Needs An Estate Plan?
Estate planning is not reserved for a specific demographic. It is beneficial to anyone who owns property, has children or wants a say in what happens to their affairs after death or in the event of incapacity to have a plan. Without an estate plan, Indiana’s intestacy laws determine who receives your assets, which may not align with your preferences.
Do You Need A Will Or A Trust?
Most comprehensive estate plans include both wills and trusts, as they serve different but complementary purposes. A will directs asset distribution after death and names guardians for minor children, but it must go through probate – a public but sometimes lengthy process.
On the other hand, trusts avoid probate, provide privacy and can manage assets during incapacity. For many northwest Indiana residents, a revocable living trust paired with a pour-over will offers the most complete protection. However, simpler estates might function well with just a will and powers of attorney.
Your specific needs depend on factors such as your family dynamics, property ownership, business interests and privacy concerns. During our consultation, we will assess these factors and recommend the appropriate combination of tools for your situation.
What Changes In An Estate Plan After Divorce?
Reviewing your estate plan should be a priority if you have been through a divorce. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance and even your will or trust may still name your former spouse. This can lead to unintended results if something happens to you.
Guardianship nominations, powers of attorney and health care directives may also need to be updated. We work with many clients during or after divorce to help ensure their estate plans reflect their new circumstances and protect their children or other loved ones.
What Should Indiana Business Owners Know About Business Succession Planning?
If you own a business in Indiana, planning for what happens after your retirement, disability or death is just as important as managing day-to-day operations. A business succession plan can address ownership transfer, decision-making authority and tax considerations. Without one, your business may face legal or financial disruption. Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, is here to help clients like you put clear and enforceable plans in place to keep operations smooth and avoid disputes. Plus, it does not matter whether the business stays with the family or is passed on to another owner.
Professional. Personalized. Cost Effective.
Please contact us at our Crown Point office, located on U.S. 41, just one mile south of U.S. 30, to learn more about your options. You may fill out our online form or give us a call at 219-227-4259 to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers.