Meredith Ditchen-Oakley
770-517-0008
770-517-0008

Protecting Your Interest In Family Law Matters

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Experienced Guidance In Estate Planning And Administration

No one likes to think about their own mortality, but estate planning does not need to be a depressing chore. Instead, you can think of it as an opportunity to protect and provide for your loved ones throughout your lifetime and beyond.

With the help of the right attorney, you can create a truly customized estate plan that meets your needs and goals. I am attorney Meredith Ditchen-Oakley. When you contact Meredith W. Ditchen-Oakley, P.C., I will guide you through the estate planning process from start to finish, taking the time to explain all of your options and helping you choose the legal instruments that are right for you. Your plan may include:

  • A will
  • One or more trusts
  • A living will (health care directive)
  • Appointment of durable power of attorney
  • Appointment of a personal representative (estate executor)

The specific documents you choose will depend on the details of your estate and your goals. We can discuss these in greater detail during your initial consultation.

When And How To Update Your Estate Planning Documents

Estate planning shouldn’t be a one-time activity. Circumstances and relationships change throughout your life, and you’ll need to make updates to your will and other estate planning documents accordingly.

Here are just some examples of when it makes sense to revisit and update your estate plan:

  • When you gain a new child through birth or adoption
  • When you get married, divorced or remarried
  • After buying a house or other significant property
  • After a significant change in your relationship to a family member or loved one

The good news is that updating your estate plan is faster, easier and less expensive than creating a new one. My firm can help you make virtually any change or amendment quickly and efficiently, even if I didn’t write the original estate plan.

Assisting Personal Representatives In Probate And Estate Administration

If you have been named as the personal representative of a loved one’s estate, you may feel both honored and unsure of how to proceed. The good news is that help is available. I can guide you through the process of settling the decedent’s estate, including:

  • Going through probate (when necessary)
  • Paying taxes and outstanding bills on behalf of the estate
  • Collecting and cataloging assets
  • Distributing assets according to the will or beneficiary designation

My goal is to help you settle your loved one’s estate as quickly and efficiently as possible. Because you will likely be grieving during this difficult time, I personally take on as much of the work as I can, leaving you free to focus on more important matters.

Learn More In An Initial Consultation

To schedule a consultation, call my Woodstock office at 770-517-0008 or fill out my online contact form.