Preserving your family's wealth for future generations

Whether you're planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, Matthew J. Lefevre at the Law Offices of Matthew J. Lefevre, Esq., P.C. can help with all aspects of Trusts and Estates issues and Elder Law matters, including:
-Estate Planning
-Gift & Estate Tax issues
-Choosing the appropriate Executor & Trustee
-Guardianships
-Living Wills
-Health Care Representatives
-Durable Powers of Attorney
-Living Trusts
-Wills drafting

Securing your legacy:
You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort. The Law Offices of Matthew J. Lefevre, Esq., P.C. thoroughly analyzes your estate and strategizes the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.

Draft your living will and last will and testament:
A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your Advance Directives set the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.

Your Last Will and Testament provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establishes arrangements for your children and otherwise expresses your wishes upon your death. A Will also is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, State Law determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pet -- making decisions that might not reflect your desires.

Estate Planning attorney Matthew J. Lefevre can draft valid Wills and Trusts to ensure that your intentions are honored.

Changing your Will:
As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your Estate Plan throughout your lifetime. We draft Estate Planning Documents that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Appointment of Guardianship:
If you have minor children, your Will allows you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets' care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets.

The process of probate:
Probate follows what is typically a painful emotional loss. Most executors have rarely if ever probated a will and know little about the process. We can guide you through the complex probate process, including:
-Filing the will with the appropriate Connecticut probate court
-Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
-Finding and collecting assets
-Closing and opening bank accounts
-Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
-Preparation of Federal & State Estate Tax Returns
-Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
-Locating beneficiaries
-Hiring experts, when appropriate
-Administering Trusts

Valuing and managing the estate:
The Law Offices of Matthew J. Lefevre, Esq., P.C. assists executors with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. We are available to assist in every aspect of the estate and probate process. When appropriate, we call upon accountants, financial advisers, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. Our firm can access expert opinions about unique assets such as closely-held businesses, commercial real estate, family partnerships as well as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectibles for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate disputes:
Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between beneficiaries and other parties. Our professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally-charged process of probating a challenged will or questioning a disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interests of our client to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating these disputes. When necessary, we assertively defend our client's rights within the Connecticut probate court system.