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Fayetteville Estate Planning Law Firm

Fayetteville Estate Planning Attorney

Secure Your Future: Protect Your Legacy and Your Loved Ones with Effective Estate Planning

  • Prevent Probate; 
  • Protect Family & Assets; 
  • Be Prepared for the Unexpected

What would happen if you didn’t make it home?

What would happen if you couldn’t make your own decisions?

None of us are Going to Live Forever

We could have an accident or medical incident any moment that leaves us unable to make decisions or worse. Have  you picked who you want and made it legal? Or are you going to let a Judge decide?

Our days on this earth are numbered and, while it isn’t the most pleasant conversation piece, neglecting to face it could make things far more unpleasant for our family or friends when we’re gone.

The last thing any of us wants to do is add complication, confusion, or even conflict on top of an already challenging time.

Stay in Control

Feel safe and secure about your assets and legacy. Be assured your loved ones will be taken care of and your wishes will be honored if you are incapacitated and after you’re gone.

Protect Your Home 

Don’t give it all to a nursing home. Don’t lose a big chunk to probate. 

Rest Easy & Stop Worrying 

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. Stay in control.

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 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.

Fayetteville Estate Planning
Gary DeWitt Attorney At Law

 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.

Janet Brown
September 4, 2023.
Had a very good experience with Gary and Winnie. They were very speedy and detailed in getting several documents in order for me. I would highly recommend this law firm.
Mary Orr
August 16, 2023.
DeWitt Law Firm helped me with my Estate Planning. They were so easy to talk to and very informative of my needs. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for help planning their Estate or preparing a will.
Michael Knight
August 16, 2023.
In this fast lane era, where time is money, I worry that folks don't appreciate down to Earth direct talk. Only a few professionals will give you some honest minutes of genuine help. I know that answering machines, short attention spans, lack of interest, indifference, and failure to listen are today's reality. But today I got a friendly, attentive receptionist, who answered the phone, and sounded like my neighbor across the street. A few hours later after lunchtime, Mr Dewitt texted me directly with an enlightening conversation that made my day. He reminded me of my family Doctor. He gave me a referral to a more specialized appropriate attorney. To me, this gentleman was like a diamond in the rough.
Richard Stuart
August 12, 2023.
Gary and his staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I was the personal representative for my aunt’s estate. She live over 400 miles away in Arkansas and Gary was her attorney. They made settling the estate, from a great distance away, very simple and easy. Gary communicated very well with me and helped me with the sale of the house, and everything else that was involved. Gary is so knowledgeable about estates, wills and trusts. We even made changes to our own estate affairs from what we learned from Gary. I highly recommend this office. They will take care of you!
James Barton
July 29, 2023.
Great, friendly advice. No pressure. They will tell you if you don't need their services. We became a client. Enough said.
Bonnie Gibson
May 25, 2023.
Great people. Helped me get my will done just the way I wanted and gave expert advice on doing things the right way. My family and I will feel so much more at ease now. Highly recommended.
John Krueger
May 4, 2023.
Gary is excellent. I highly recommend him to anyone.
William Smith
April 3, 2023.
Heard radio ad several years ago for DeWitt firm. Recently decided wisdom of setting up a trust for our estate. DeWitt has been most helpful, thorough and fee is very reasonable. We highly recommend.
Robert Shipe
March 30, 2023.
Gary was very easy to work with and walked me through the probate process. I live out of state and was able to handle everything remotely. Excellent communication and quickly answered any questions I had. Highly recommend!
Bill Durham
March 16, 2023.
Great people! Very experienced with constant communication. I highly recommend the DeWitt Law Firm.
The Best Wills and Trusts Attorney

The Best Wills and Trusts Attorney

The Best Elder Law

The Best Elder Law

Fayetteville Estate Planning

Three Simple Steps – Leave Nothing to Chance

Start With a Free Meeting

we’ll get to know each other and discuss any concerns or special circumstances in your family, making sure nothing is overlooked.

Design & Review

From there, you’ll complete a simple but thorough form, from the comfort of your home. Based on your answers, we’ll draft custom documents and send them to you for review.

Rest Assured Your Wishes are Known

After making sure everything is just the way you want, we’ll file your documents appropriately so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Fayetteville 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?

What is Fayetteville Estate Planning?

Estate planning is a process that involves making decisions about what will happen to your assets and property after you pass away. The purpose of estate planning is to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy – it is essential for anyone who wants to protect their assets and ensure that their family’s future is secure.

Benefits of Fayetteville Estate Planning

There are several benefits to Fayetteville estate planning. Firstly, it allows you to dictate how your assets will be distributed after your passing. Without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not reflect your wishes. Secondly, estate planning can help minimize estate taxes and other expenses, which can save your loved ones money in the long run. Finally, estate planning can help you plan for the future, including incapacity or disability.

What is Included in an Estate Plan?

An estate plan is a collection of legal documents that outline how your assets will be distributed after your passing. The most common documents included in an estate plan are a will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Your estate plan may also include other legal documents, such as a living will or a durable power of attorney.

Why is it Important to Start Planning Early?

It is important to start planning early because you never know what the future holds. If you wait too long, you may not have the time or the capacity to create an estate plan. Additionally, starting early allows you to make more informed decisions about your assets and your family’s future.

Creating an Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan involves several steps. Here’s a brief overview:

Documents Needed for an Estate Plan

The most common documents needed for an estate plan are a will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. These legal documents ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, even if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

Choosing an Executor or Trustee

An executor or trustee is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes after your passing. Choosing the right person is crucial, as they will have a significant role in managing your estate. It is important to choose someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of handling the responsibilities of an executor or trustee.

Planning for Incapacity

Planning for incapacity is an important part of estate planning. It involves designating someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. This person is called a healthcare proxy or agent and is responsible for making medical decisions on your behalf.

Trusts

Trusts are a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds assets for the benefit of a beneficiary. There are several different types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. Trusts can be used to protect your assets, minimize taxes, and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after your passing.

Different Types of Trusts

Revocable trusts are trusts that can be changed or revoked during your lifetime. They are popular because they offer flexibility and can be used to avoid probate. Irrevocable trusts, on the other hand, cannot be changed or revoked once they are created. They are commonly used for tax planning or to protect assets from creditors.

How Trusts Work

When you create a trust, you transfer ownership of your assets to the trustee. The trustee is then responsible for managing the assets and distributing them according to your wishes. Trusts are a flexible and versatile estate planning tool that can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Wills

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your passing. It is a crucial component of estate planning and ensures that your wishes are carried out. Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not reflect your wishes.

Basics of Wills

A will typically includes information about who will inherit your assets, how they will be distributed, and who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. It is important to choose an executor who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of carrying out your wishes.

Different Types of Wills

There are several different types of wills, including simple wills, pour-over wills, and holographic wills. A simple will is a basic document that outlines how your assets will be distributed. A pour-over will is used in conjunction with a trust and ensures that any assets not included in the trust are transferred to the trust upon your passing. A holographic will is a handwritten will that is often used in emergency situations but may not be valid in all states.

Choosing an Executor

Choosing an executor is an important part of estate planning. An executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes after your passing and should be someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of handling the responsibilities of an executor.

Tax Planning

Tax planning is an important aspect of estate planning. It involves minimizing estate taxes and other taxes associated with transferring assets to your heirs.

Estate Tax

The estate tax is a tax on the transfer of assets after your passing. The federal estate tax exemption is currently $12.9 million, which means that estates valued at less than $12.9 million are not subject to the estate tax. However, state estate taxes may apply to estates valued at less than $12.9 million. At this time, Arkansas does not have an estate tax.

Gift Tax

The gift tax is a tax on the transfer of assets during your lifetime. The annual gift tax exclusion is currently $175,000, which means that you can gift up to $15,000 per year to an individual without incurring gift tax.

Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax

The generation-skipping transfer tax is a tax on the transfer of assets to beneficiaries who are more than one generation younger than you. The current generation-skipping transfer tax exemption is $12.9 million.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fayetteville estate planning is an essential process that involves making decisions about your assets and how they will be distributed after your passing. It is a comprehensive process that involves planning for your future, your family’s future, and your legacy. At the DeWitt Law Firm, we specialize in providing estate planning services to clients who want to protect their assets and ensure that their loved ones are taken care of. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you create a solid estate plan that will protect your assets and your family’s future.

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More Information

Wikipedia

What is Estate Planning?