Dedicated Wills Lawyers in Delaware

Helping Clients Handle All Important Estate Issues

Everyone who dies leaves behind friends and family members who mourn them. Unfortunately, around half of these individuals don’t leave behind a will to help settle probate issues. This became a major issue during the pandemic — as some probate judges saw their caseloads increase by over 300% over pre-pandemic levels. The unexpected can happen at any time, and even those who survive certain ordeals often don’t have living wills in place. This means their medical wishes may not be met even while they’re around. Fortunately, a wills lawyer in Delaware can help with such issues.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, our legal professionals handle wills, trusts, estate planning, and other essential elder law services. We know what’s at risk for those who don’t take proactive steps in deciding the fate of their money and other assets. Whether you want to ensure your desired healthcare decisions are known or simply need to specify who receives your property when you’re gone, we can help.

Who Can Benefit from Wills and Probate Attorneys?

Our clients span a very broad spectrum. Some are high-net-worth individuals. They often require complex trust and estate planning services to ensure maximum wealth protection and transfer to future generations. Alternately, some clients are working-class folks. They typically wish to take all reasonable steps available to protect equity and assets they have accumulated over a lifetime of hard work and dedication. Anyone with assets or income — and anyone with dependents who rely on them — ought to consult with a Wills, Trusts, and Estates Attorney to make sure they and their loved ones are financially protected.

In addition, many of our clients seek estate planning services to avoid putting a burden on their loved ones in case they require hospitalization or end-of-life care. As part of our basic estate planning package, we provide a power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive that clearly sets forth your wishes. A living will typically dictate financial and medical decisions during your lifetime. It is important to make your wishes known before any situation arises that could potentially remove your ability to make important decisions. Put simply, anyone who wants to choose how their assets and medical decisions are handled should speak with a Delaware estate lawyer.

Who Handles Wills, Trusts, and Estates at Our Law Firm?

The attorneys in our Wills, Trusts, and Estates practice are law firm founder Steven Schwartz and attorney Hon. Charles W. “Chuck” Welch . They can help with any estate issues and answer any questions you may have. If you are currently represented by an S&S attorney and you would like to learn more about wills, trusts, and estates, simply ask your lawyer to schedule you for a consultation with Steven or Chuck.

What Are Some Important Considerations When Seeking Legal Advice?

It’s important to not simply open a phonebook — or perform a Google search — and hire the first Delaware wills attorney you come across. You need to learn more about any legal professional before working with them. With that in mind, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common considerations below.

Do you make home and hospital visits?

Yes, our attorneys regularly provide consultations and schedule will signings at our clients’ homes. When our clients are confined in the hospital, we are available to travel to local facilities as well. If you are unable to come to us, please let us know when you initially reach out. We’re willing to go the extra mile to help our clients complete their estate plans.

What are the steps in the will preparation process?

The first step in the will preparation process is meeting with Steven or Bill at our law firm. During your initial consultation, the attorney will ask you questions that will help us understand your family tree, the assets you own and how they are titled, and your wishes concerning how your estate should be distributed after your death. We’ll also discuss who should be trusted with the obligations of distributing your assets, and we’ll go over any restrictions you wish to place on the distribution or use of your assets.

The second step involves a return visit to our office to complete and execute the documents the attorney has drafted for you. At the “signing” appointment, you will review your documents and discuss them with your attorney. Afterward, you and your attorney will complete and execute the planning documents alongside any necessary witnesses.

The third step we recommend is to return periodically for review and a possible update of the estate plan documents. Any time there is a material change in your family — or if there is a material change in the nature or title of your assets — you may want your attorney to review the plan documents to ensure they’re still relevant. We recommend an annual “checkup” to review the plan documents.

Do you handle wills, trusts, and estates for people outside of Delaware?

Although we have office locations outside of Delaware, our Wills, Trusts, and Estates practice are currently only able to serve residents of the State of Delaware. If you need to find an attorney outside who practices in another state, feel free to contact us anyway. We will do our best to provide a referral to a reputable lawyer or law firm in the state and county where you maintain your primary residence.

Contact a Wills Lawyer in Delaware Today

Over two-thirds of Americans don’t currently have a will. This is problematic, and the issue was thrust into the limelight when probate courts were overwhelmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if you plan on sticking around for a while, no one knows what tomorrow brings. It’s important to take estate planning seriously — and doing so sooner rather than later is preferable. This is why you should seek help with your legal needs to handle will, trusts, living wills, and all your other estate plan needs.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, we’ve spent years working diligently to help our clients get their affairs in order. We’ve seen the turmoil that can develop with family members, business partners, and even the government after the unexpected happens and there is no estate plan in place. That’s why our wills lawyers in Delaware are dedicated to helping our clients with all their legal needs. Contact us today by calling 302-678-8700 to schedule a consultation. Procrastinating will put all your hard work at unnecessary risk.