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Arkansas Estate Planning Law Firm in Springdale

Northwest Arkansas Estate Planning Attorney

Protect Your Family & Money to be Your Family’s Hero

Estate planning is the superior and the only effective way to
  • Get the peace of mind and security you and your family deserve.
  • Ensure your loved ones are taken care of, both financially and emotionally, during your lifetime and after you’re gone.
  • Prevent the traumatic ordeal of Probate
  • Clearly outline your wishes to eliminate family conflict and fighting
  • Protect your loved ones inheritance from lawsuits, divorce, creditors, waste, and more
  • Save your home from being sold to pay for long term care
Estate Planning

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Without a Plan You are Leaving Legal Messes and Ordeals for Your Family

  • If you don’t plan, Arkansas has written a plan for you and the State uses it by default. You and your family probably won’t like it
  • Your family pays the price in pain, expenses, time, and frustrations of legal ordeals and messes, like Probate and more
  • Your family will face the long ordeal of Probate (the State’s plan). You don’t control who inherits…the State does
  • If you’re suddenly incapacitated you don’t control who makes your personal, financial, legal, and healthcare decisions…the State does
We don’t want that for you. Our plans have given thousands of people the peace of mind they deserve. We have a plan that will work for you too.

It doesn’t have to be that way. 

Avoid the Mess and Ordeal of Probate for Your Family’s Peace of Mind With an Estate Plan

Effective estate planning saves your family from the headaches, expenses, and anguish of probate, eases their lives, and gives you peace of mind

Protect Your Home From the Nursing Home and Probate With an Estate Plan

Don’t give it all to a nursing home. Don’t lose a big chunk to probate. Appoint somebody you know and trust to be in charge when you can’t be.

Rest Easy & Stop Worrying When Your Estate Plan is Done

Your plan will give you peace of mind and confidence that you’ve done all you can to protect you, your family, and your money the best way possible.

We Understand…Estate Planning Seems Hard and Intimidating so We’re Here to Help

Estate planning can be intimidating and seem difficult. Not only are you forced to think about what happens when you die, but you also have to make potentially family and life altering decisions.

The good news is — it doesn’t have to be this way!

With a little help, you can easily be sure that your assets go to whom you want, when you want, and in the way that you want. I offer a free 15-minute call just to get to know each other and discover if … and how … I can help you. Book a call now.

Estate Planning
Estate Planning

 Your Guide to Success

I know first hand how hard it is to lose somebody and the headaches that follow. I know the importance of having a plan in place.

My father passed away of a sudden heart attack in 2010. Because of this, mom and I had to take the family ranch through probate – for the third time since 1975.  This was an extremely long and stressful process and it is the last thing that anyone wants to go through while they are mourning.

I decided then and there a better way must exist. And it does. That better way is an effective estate plan.

I’ve helped 1000’s of families avoid probate and other legal messes.

Bill Durham
March 16, 2023.
Great people! Very experienced with constant communication. I highly recommend the DeWitt Law Firm.
Nannie 6
February 9, 2023.
The DeWitt firm helped us through this difficult time of dealing with the probate process of our deceased son's estate. We appreciate his thoroughness and effiecency during this time....communication and helping to guide us through this has been key. We appreciate Gary in his expertise of all of our legal affairs.
Arkansas Fitness Network
February 7, 2023.
I am extremely pleased with my experience working with DeWitt Law Firm during a difficult time. The team, led by Gary DeWitt, was by my side before and after the passing of family members. They took special care in ensuring that not only was our estate protected, but our family was made comfortable while living. Their professionalism, compassion, and expertise made the process seamless and stress-free. Gary and his team went above and beyond to make sure our family was taken care of during a challenging time. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and always available to answer any questions we had. The peace of mind that comes with having a solid estate plan in place is priceless, and I will be eternally grateful for the support DeWitt Law Firm provided us. I highly recommend DeWitt Law Firm to anyone in need of estate planning services. Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or you're ready to update your current plan, Gary and his team are here to help. They truly care about their clients and their families, and I couldn't be happier with my experience working with them. Danny White
Martha Carson
January 24, 2023.
They are the BEST !!!!
Carl Wilmsen
January 24, 2023.
Over the years, we have engaged attorneys to help navigate the legal process for various reasons. In the last three years, we have had to engage estate attorneys in two different states to assist with probate matters. Not being from Arkansas, we didn't know of any attorneys and were given a referral to Gary DeWitt. Wow! What a different experience for us. Gary is punctual, friendly, responsive, family-oriented, kind-hearted, and very knowledgeable. We are forever grateful for the referral to his law firm. From our view, when we have a legal question, we want answers as soon as possible, but most attorneys get to you when they can. Gary, however, makes you feel as if you are the only client he has - although we know this not to be the case. He truly does respond quickly to questions and goes - in my mind - above and beyond. It was over the holidays when I needed a letter to move things along with an insurance company. Gary was out of the office, but still replied and was able to assist us with the letter. No, I didn't really expect him to meet my timeline, but we were certainly grateful he went above expectations to get this letter to us! If you have any doubts about engaging Gary's firm, please don't. You will be happy working with him! Go meet with him. You will see for yourself he was made from a unique mold. I have not experienced an attorney like him in all my years! This is not a paid review. Just a review to motivate others like me to pick a good attorney!
sheryl bolinger
December 5, 2022.
Very thorough and helped ease my nerves
GG2 Sports Cards
November 29, 2022.
Easy to work with. I like to ask a lot of questions and they answered every one! Great communication! Very smooth process.
Alison Van Hecke
November 15, 2022.
Gary DeWitt did an amazing job working through a complex probate situation with our team. He was on top of it all and communicated with us and our client regarding the process. Highly recommend!
Estate Planning
Wealth Counsel Attorney

Guiding You Step-by-Step: Success System

Listen

Book a Call. Have your first meeting with us, talk with the attorney about your needs and goals, then talk about what plan fits you the best and what the price will be.

Design

We’ll design a plan customized for you and your family. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way. We’ll finish in weeks.

Relax With Peace of Mind

Put your plan into action so you can get back to enjoying the best years of your life.

Estate Planning – The Superior and Only Effective Way

Estate planning is the superior and the only effective way to protect what you have from the nursing home, avoid probate, and prepare for incapacity for your peace of mind and quality of life

Estate planning is about preparing for the management of your affairs and distribution of your assets during and after your lifetime. A great estate plan will minimize (or eliminate) taxes and other major expenses like probate and losing it all to a nursing home. A plan also prepares for any chance of incapacity in the future. Plans allow your family to act instead of react when time matters most.

A great plan answers these questions, and more:

  • How can I save my house from the expenses of nursing home care and ravages of probate?
  • How can I make it easier on my family during already hard times by avoiding probate and other legal messes?
  • Who will take care of and raise my children if I can’t?
  • How do I assure who gets what, when, how, and how much and manage it wisely?
  • Who will manage my assets and affairs when I’m incapacitated?

Securing Your Future and Protecting Your Loved Ones With Estate Planning

When it comes to the future, none of us can predict what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable, and anything can happen at any time. That’s why estate planning is so crucial, even if you’re not wealthy or retired. It’s about making sure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are protected.

Imagine This…

Imagine this scenario: you’re suddenly incapacitated, and you can’t make decisions for yourself. Who will make those decisions for you? Or what if you pass away suddenly? Who will inherit your assets and manage your estate? These are essential questions that estate planning can answer. While estate planning can be emotionally challenging, it’s crucial to take control of your future and protect your loved ones.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of managing your assets during your lifetime and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. It’s about securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones by planning for the future. Estate planning includes creating a will, setting up trusts, designating beneficiaries, and planning for taxes.

The Importance of Estate Planning

Estate planning is essential for several reasons. First, it allows you to take control of your future and plan for the unexpected. Second, it ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and not subject to the default rules of state law. Third, it can help minimize the burden on your loved ones by making your wishes clear and avoiding legal disputes. Fourth, it can help you minimize taxes and protect your assets.

The Basics of Estate Planning

Let’s explore the basics of estate planning and how you can get started.

Creating a Will

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It’s the most common estate planning document, and it’s essential, regardless of your age or financial situation. A will can also designate a guardian for your minor children and name an executor to manage your estate.

Setting Up Trusts

A trust is a legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of a beneficiary. Trusts can be used to avoid probate, reduce taxes, and protect assets from creditors. There are several types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and charitable trusts.

Designating Beneficiaries

Designating beneficiaries is another crucial aspect of estate planning. Beneficiaries are the individuals who will inherit your assets after your death. You can designate beneficiaries for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. It’s essential to update your beneficiaries regularly, especially after significant life events, such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directives

A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone to act on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. It’s essential to have a power of attorney in case of incapacity or disability. Healthcare directives, also known as living wills, are legal documents that outline your wishes for medical treatment if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.

Working with an Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning can be complex, and it’s essential to work with an estate planning attorney to ensure that your wishes are met. An estate planning attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate plan, review and update your plan regularly, and navigate complex legal issues.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

There are several common estate planning mistakes to avoid, including not updating your plan regularly, not designating beneficiaries, not considering tax implications, and not planning for incapacity. It’s essential to review your estate plan regularly and work with an estate planning attorney to avoid these mistakes.

Conclusion

Estate planning may be emotional and challenging, but it’s essential to take control of your future and protect your loved ones. By creating a comprehensive estate plan, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, avoid legal disputes, and minimize the burden on your loved ones. Work with an estate planning attorney to create a plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

How to Get Started With Your Estate Plan

Book Your 15-Minute Call Now

Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville Arkansas Estate Planning Lawyer