Why You Need Estate Planning

Without an estate plan, you, your family, and your assets are at the mercy of state law and the courts. We design and implement estate plans which ensure that you maintain control over the most important decisions in the event of your death or disability.

Most people know they need an estate plan, but they never get around to it. Sometimes it is too late and their families are left with a mess. We try to make the process as convenient as possible so that you can put a plan in place and continue with your life knowing your estate is in order. We design plans that are practical and that you can understand; never more complex that they need to be, and keeping your budget in mind.

Some of the tools we use for estate planning are: Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Charitable Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Directives to Physicians, Guardian Designations, Gift Deeds, and Transfer on Death Deeds.

What it’s like to work with us

• Relationships, not transactions. We develop long-term relationships with our clients, not one-time transactions, so we can make sure their plan stays up-to-date.
• Collaboration. We work collaboratively with our clients’ other professional advisors to make sure we have identified all potential solutions and that everyone is on the same page.
• Convenience. We are responsive and quick. From when we receive your answers to our estate planning worksheet, we can have you back in the office to sign your documents in as soon as a week.

Our Process

1. Schedule an estate planning strategy session to discuss your concerns and wishes.
2. We design a custom estate plan and prepare the legal documents needed to put the plan into action.
3. You execute the documents and relax knowing that your family and your assets are taken care of.

How We Charge

We charge a flat fee for the plans we design. For some follow-up work, we charge an hourly rate. Either way, you will know what to expect before committing.

If you are ready to protect your family and put an estate plan in place, or, if you have a plan, but it’s been a while since you last updated it, Contact us to schedule an estate planning strategy session.

Settling someone’s estate is a complex undertaking with lots of responsibility and duties. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you are liable to make a mistake or get stuck. We can guide you through the process from start to finish, telling you what to do and helping you do it correctly, so you can settle the estate efficiently and with confidence.

Do you need to settle someone’s estate?

We educate you on your role as a personal representative and support you in fulfilling your duties. We recommend the most efficient method of settling the estate you are in charge of; then we guide you through the process.

Are you the beneficiary of someone’s estate?

We inform you of your rights, monitor the settlement of the estate, and protect your interest.

We can help you with:

probating a will, determining heirs, getting an administrator appointed, serving as a personal representative or trustee, making or responding to claims against an estate, resolving problems with the estate or beneficiaries, and distributing the estate.

What does the process look like?

1. Schedule a strategy session to discuss your options for settling the estate and determine which is the best one.
2. If you hire us to represent you, then we gather information and prepare the necessary documents and court filings.
3. Follow our guidance to settle the estate as smoothly and quickly as possible.

How We Charge

For most estate administrations, we can quote a fixed fee. If we encounter unexpected issues, then time spent addressing those issues are charged on an hourly basis. Under certain circumstances, we are able to collect our fee out of the proceeds of the estate once they are accessible.

If you have been given the task of settling someone’s estate, or, if you are a beneficiary or heir of an estate, contact us to schedule a strategy session to discuss your rights and duties. Schedule a Strategy Session.

You’re busy running your business and you don’t have time to become an expert on all the various legal issues that affect it. Yet, failing to comply with these issues can expose your business to liability.

We can advise you on the legal issues you will encounter while running your business to mitigate risk, get out of trouble, and capitalize on opportunities.

How we work with business owners.

• Relationships, not transactions. We believe in developing long-term relationships with our clients, which allows us to better understand their needs and spot issues where we can provide value.
• Proactive, not reactive. We take a proactive approach which to avoid problems before they become expensive and time consuming.
• Open Communication. We encourage open communication with our clients so they can get the advice they need at the time they need it.
• Convenient. We understand that you are busy, so we work with your schedule and try to make the process as convenient as possible.

Services we provide to businesses and business owners.

Business Formation – We can help you choose the right entity form to operate your business through and make sure it is properly set up.

Relevant documents include: certificates of formation, company agreements, bylaws, buy-sell agreements, and employment agreements.

Corporate Governance – We help you observe the formalities of operating as an entity and keep your company records.

Relevant documents include: meeting minutes, resolutions, public information reports, certificates of amendment.

Business Contracts – We review and prepare contracts that you will encounter or need as you conduct business.

Relevant documents include: employment agreements, purchase agreements, independent contractor agreements, confidentiality agreements, noncompetition agreements.

Sales and Purchases – We provide advice, assist with due diligence, and review and prepare the necessary documents to complete the sale or purchase of business interests, assets or entire businesses.

Relevant documents: share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, letters of Intent, security agreements.

Succession Planning – Whether it is a planned exit or an unexpected one, we help put in place a plan to smoothly transition management and ownership of your business while preserving its value.

Relevant documents: buy-sell agreements, company agreements, wills, trusts.

How We Charge

The majority of our business services are charged as a fixed fee which is determined up front. Some business owners choose to retain us on a subscription basis where they pay a fixed monthly fee and we provide ongoing legal counsel. And when a fixed fee or subscription plan is not the right fit, we charge on an hourly basis for the amount of work we perform. Whatever the arrangement, we will agree before any work is performed so you can budget accordingly.

We would love the opportunity to learn about your business and talk about how we can become a part of your team. Contact us to schedule a business strategy session.

At Lara Flores Law Firm, we understand the complexities of real estate transactions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in property, having a skilled legal professional by your side is crucial. Real estate law encompasses a wide range of issues, including contracts, zoning regulations, property disputes, and title searches. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. From drafting and reviewing contracts to representing you in negotiations and litigation, we provide comprehensive legal services tailored to your specific needs.