No matter your age or stage of life, Kanner Baker offers a full range of estate planning services. Estate plans are not just for those with significant net worth. The purpose of having an estate plan is to ensure your assets go to the people and organizations you choose upon your passing or incapacitation. The Atlanta estate planning attorneys at Kanner Baker have decades of experience developing estate plans for individuals, families and the owners of closely held businesses. Each estate plan we create is unique as no situation is the same.

Our services include

Wills – A Will is a legally enforceable declaration of how a person wants their property and assets distributed after death. Even if your assets are not significant, a will helps loved ones carry out your wishes and can help avoid disagreements. In the Will, an executor is named who will handle paying outstanding debts and taxes on your estate and be responsible for distributing your assets in accordance with your wishes. In a Will, you may also name a guardian for any minor children or dependents. 

Trusts – A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Trusts can be arranged in a variety of ways and can specify how and when the assets pass to the beneficiaries. Kanner Bakers offers advice on a wide range of trusts including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, living trusts and charitable remainder trusts.

Durable Powers of Attorney – A durable power of attorney is one of the most important documents a person should have. This document stays in effect if you become incapacitated and are unable to handle your personal affairs on your own. Whether you are involved in an accident or simply become unable to handle your financial affairs due to aging or illness, having a durable power of attorney lets you choose someone to act on your behalf. The person you name will be legally permitted to handle matters such as paying your bills and managing your investments. Without this document, your loved ones may have to go to court to be given the authority to handle your affairs.

Advanced Healthcare Directives – Every adult should have an advanced healthcare directive. A healthcare directive operates in a manner that is similar to a durable power of attorney, but involves decisions concerning your healthcare treatment rather than the management of your assets. It allows you to name a person to make these decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate your wishes, and also allows you to provide directions to that person by setting forth your preferences concerning the type of treatment you do or do not want under various circumstances, up to and including the use of life-sustaining medical interventions if you are in a terminal condition.

In addition, our estate planning practice focuses on asset protection, tax planning and management succession. If you are ready to work on your estate plan or update an existing one, Kanner Baker is here to help.