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Trusted in Estate Planning
since 1989
Our experienced, board-certified estate planning attorneys in New Orleans, LA are here to help you safeguard your legacy through a step-by-step approach, from basic wills to complex successions and tax planning.
Estate Planning Attorneys
in New Orleans
With offices on both the Southshore and the Northshore, Chehardy Sherman Williams advises and represents clients throughout Southeast Louisiana — from individuals and families to family-owned and privately held businesses.
Our estate planning lawyers specialize in everything from the initial planning interview to the final stages of estate administration. We pride ourselves on our commitment to understanding each client’s unique circumstances and offering tailored solutions that ensure peace of mind and financial security for future generations.
ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALTIES
At Chehardy Sherman Williams, our team of dedicated attorneys is well-equipped to guide you through the complexities of estate planning, drafting wills, and related areas. Our extensive expertise encompasses a broad range of services designed to secure your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored.
Our estate planning practice area specialties include:
- Asset management: We provide strategic advice on managing and protecting your assets for the future, ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes. We also advise on business succession planning for your commercial asset, wherever necessary.
- Donations: Our team can assist with the legalities of passing on your assets as charitable donations, helping you contribute to causes most important to you.
- Elder law: We specialize in the needs of older clients and offer guidance on issues such as healthcare, guardianship, retirement, and long-term care planning.
- Wills and estate planning: We draft and review wills, helping you to clearly articulate your decisions about the distribution of your estate.
- Succession and estate administration: We help you navigate the complexities of estate administration, ensuring a smooth transition of assets to beneficiaries while acting as your probate lawyer where necessary.
- Estate and trust litigation: We’re experienced in advising clients on disputes over the validity of wills, the management of trusts, and the distribution of estate assets.
- Retirement planning: Our services include advice on retirement accounts, pensions, and other retirement planning tools to secure your financial future.
- Taxation: We offer expertise in estate, gift, and income tax planning, helping you minimize tax liabilities for yourself and your beneficiaries.
- Trusts: Our estate planning lawyers assist with the creation, management, and administration of trusts, a vital tool for asset protection.
- Powers of attorney: We prepare power of attorney documents, allowing you to appoint someone to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.
- Living wills: We specialize in living wills, also known as advance medical directives, which help you clearly outline your medical treatment preferences if you’re ever unable to communicate your decisions.
NEW ORLEANS ESTATE PLANNING FAQS
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY ESTATE PLANNING CONSULTATION?
During your estate planning consultation, our attorneys will review your financial situation, discuss your goals, and address concerns about the future management of your assets and care. This includes understanding your family dynamics, identifying potential heirs, and discussing options for trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The goal is to craft a personalized estate plan that aligns with your wishes, protects your assets, and provides for your loved ones.
This initial meeting sets the foundation for developing a comprehensive estate plan customized to your unique needs and circumstances.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESTATE PLANNING AND CREATING A WILL?
Estate planning is a comprehensive process that includes creating a will, but it also involves setting up trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and strategies for minimizing taxes and legal fees. These legal matters ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are cared for in your absence.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I UPDATE MY ESTATE PLAN?
It is advised to review and possibly update your estate plan every 3-5 years or sooner if there are significant changes in your life, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a major purchase like a house, or receiving an inheritance. Laws regarding estate planning matters can also change over time, which may necessitate updates to your plan. Our experienced estate planning attorneys will review a timeline for updating your estate plan with you in detail, ensuring you are informed of all best practices.
WHY CHEHARDY SHERMAN WILLIAMS
Investing in thoughtful estate planning is one of the most generous gifts you can leave your loved ones.
Our New Orleans estate planning attorneys are committed to easing you through this process with confidentiality and personal care. We vow to provide compassionate counsel that is straightforward, candid, and easy to understand. We are routinely recognized as leaders in the legal field, earning renowned awards, such as:
- Best Law Firm in the United States in 2024, Best Lawyers
- Top 10 Most Influential Healthcare Lawyers in 2023, Business Today
- Elite Lawyers in 2023, Inside New Orleans Magazine
- Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in Louisiana, 2023, National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
When you need trust, dedication, and skill in your estate plan, you need the experienced attorneys at Chehardy Sherman Williams.
YOUR SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA LAW FIRM
Safeguard your future and that of your loved ones with ease.
Our estate planning attorneys, serving the communities of the Greater New Orleans area, specialize in creating customized strategies that align with your specific goals and situation. We are here to accommodate all your requests, large or small, for your utmost peace of mind.
Take your first step towards a meticulously planned legacy. Contact us for a consultation in New Orleans, Metairie, or Hammond, and let us prioritize your assets, intentions, and your family’s well-being.
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