A will
A will can state how you want your estate handled after death. It is not a promise that every asset will pass under the will or avoid a court process.
Planning during life
Estate planning for the decisions that matter.
Who should receive your property? Who could act for you if you need help? Discuss wills, trusts and powers of attorney with Joshua Dresslove, serving clients across the Las Vegas valley.
Has someone already died? Start with probate guidance instead.
The short answer
Estate planning is not one document for every family. A will, a trust and a power of attorney have different purposes. The useful starting point is your priorities, your property and the people you want involved.
Nevada statutes and supporting sourcesWhat do you want your plan to accomplish?
You do not need to choose a legal document before the consultation. Explain your goals, any concerns about managing property or making decisions, and whether you already have planning documents. Joshua can discuss the options within the office’s wills, trusts and powers-of-attorney work.
A trust
A trust lets a trustee hold and manage property for beneficiaries under its terms. Whether it fits your needs depends on your goals, the document and how property is held. It is not automatically the right choice for everyone.
Powers of attorney
A power of attorney can authorize another person to act for you within the document’s scope. Financial and health-care authority are distinct topics to discuss; the wording and applicable law matter.
General orientation. Read the supporting sources.
Before a consultation
Bring what you have.
Start with what matters.
- Your priorities and questions, in plain language
- Existing wills, trusts or powers of attorney
- A general list of property and accounts
- People you are considering for important roles
- Relevant changes in family circumstances or property
A general outline is enough to begin. Do not send account numbers, confidential documents or detailed financial records through the website.
Questions before you call
Questions you may have.
Do I need a will or a trust?
That is a question to work through, not a package to choose blindly. Wills and trusts serve different functions. Joshua can discuss your property, priorities and existing documents before you decide what planning work to engage the office for.
Can a trust guarantee that my family avoids probate?
No blanket guarantee is appropriate. How property is titled or transferred and the terms of the documents matter. Some assets may transfer outside probate, but a trust document alone is not a reason to assume every asset will do so.
Can I discuss an existing plan?
Yes. Bring any existing wills, trusts or powers of attorney and explain what has changed or what you do not understand. The scope of any review or new work will be addressed with the office.
Is estate planning only about what happens after death?
No. Powers of attorney concern authority to act for someone during life, while a will concerns an estate after death. Planning can involve both kinds of decisions, within the scope of the documents and law.
Does the consultation include preparing my documents?
The office offers a complimentary one-hour consultation for covered matters. Do not assume that drafting documents is included. Any legal work, fees and required payment are addressed in the engagement agreement if the office accepts the matter.
Your next step is a conversation.
Call or request contact from the office. Your consultation takes place after the appointment is confirmed. If you decide to hire the office, the engagement agreement explains the work and fees. Work starts only after acceptance, completion of the agreement and any required initial payment.
Sources and further reading
This is general information, not legal advice about your circumstances. Calling or sending a request does not create an attorney-client relationship, book an appointment or protect a deadline. Do not send confidential documents until the office gives you an appropriate method.