Experienced Attorneys Handling Estate Planning

More than half of the adults in the U.S. do not have a will. Many people think they do not need one. Others are overwhelmed by the thought of planning so far ahead. Whatever the reason, if you have put off creating an estate plan, now is the time to begin. All adults need a will and an estate plan, regardless of the assets they own or their net worth.

When you work with the Law Office of Penniann J. Schumann PLLC, our legal team, based in Salt Lake City,  will take the time to discuss how an estate plan will benefit you and your family. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience between our two lawyers and a dedication to client service, we can make this process easier for you.

Creating A Comprehensive Estate Plan

We can’t predict the future, but we can plan ahead strategically. Based on your needs and goals, we can help you create an estate plan that includes:

• A written will to declare your heirs
• Trust(s) for asset protection and other goals
• Power of attorney to manage your financial affairs if you can’t
• Advance directives for medical care and end-of-life decisions

Trusts are not necessary for everyone. We will discuss your assets with you and help you decide whether you need a trust. Attorney Penniann J. Schumann has experience as a trust officer, which helps us bring unique insights into drafting trusts to meet our clients’ needs and avoid potential problems.

Get Our Decades Of Experience On Your Side

The team of attorneys at Law Office of Penniann J. Schumann PLLC has more than 60 years of combined experience. There is simply no substitute for the amount of legal acumen that comes from six decades of practice. If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, you can place your confidence with our knowledgeable team.

Answers To Common Estate Planning Questions In Utah

Planning for tomorrow often raises practical considerations regarding your future and loved ones. Understanding how Utah estate planning documents work can outline your options and assist your family in preparing effectively. Having key protections in place also offers helpful guidance when unexpected circumstances arise. Our dedicated lawyers address a few frequently asked questions below to help clarify the process for you.

At what age should I start estate planning?

Any legal adult who has reached 18 years of age can create a foundational estate plan. Unexpected illness or injury may happen at any stage of life, making essential documents like powers of attorney and medical directives crucial long before retirement.

Early planning helps ensure someone you trust could make healthcare and financial decisions if you ever become incapacitated. As life moves forward, your foundational estate planning documents might simply expand to accommodate growing real estate, family changes or business assets. Starting early can give you greater control over your health choices and financial legacy right from the beginning.

How often should I review or update my estate plan?

Ongoing estate plan maintenance helps ensure your legal protections remain effective throughout every stage of your lifetime. You can re-examine your existing estate plan every three to five years as part of a routine legal checkup.

Significant life transitions, financial shifts or changes in family dynamics may also warrant updating your existing documents. Additionally, potential updates to federal tax codes or Utah statutes might impact how your plan functions over time. Regular plan reviews prevent outdated terms from creating unintended complications for your beneficiaries later on.

Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t have many assets?

An estate plan can cover far more than just transferring significant wealth or real estate. Even modest bank accounts, personal keepsakes and digital assets may require clear directions to reach the intended individuals smoothly. Without a valid will in Utah, state law will mandate who gets your property, which might not align with your true intent or actual family dynamics.

Furthermore, nonfinancial documents like advance healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney help protect your personal autonomy during medical emergencies. Proper planning can spare your loved ones unnecessary administrative burdens and potential expense during an already stressful period.

Can estate planning help me avoid probate in Utah?

Comprehensive estate planning offers reliable strategies that may help bypass or minimize the probate court process in Utah. Placing real estate and assets into a properly structured living trust can keep those holdings out of court supervision entirely upon your passing.

Establishing payable-on-death or beneficiary designations directly on bank accounts, retirement plans and life insurance policies might also allow immediate transfers outside of probate. Joint tenancy designations on property titles could similarly facilitate direct ownership transitions to survivors. Avoiding probate helps save your family court costs, protects your privacy and can prevent prolonged delays in distributing assets.

Contact Our Firm Today

Start planning for your future by contacting us today. Call our Salt Lake City office at 801-839-4891 or send us an email to arrange an appointment. We serve clients throughout the Salt Lake City metro and Summit County area.