HOME AND HOSPITAL VISITS
Attorney Brett R. Galvan is an  experienced  lawyer who represents clients in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, and Jasper  counties in Indiana.

WE ARE YOUR ANSWER TO THE QUESTION: WHAT COMES NEXT?

 

As an Indiana Probate Attorney, I can help you protect your assets and your loved ones' interests from the aftermath of unexpected events. It is important to plan rather than to permit the laws of intestacy determine who is to benefit from your assets at death.

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It is also important to recognize that circumstances arise wherein a trusted person is necessary to administer your assets for your benefit in the event of incapacity. Prior planning can help deter unnecessary and expensive litigation. As your lawyer, I can help you identify your estate planning goals and to develop an estate plan to address those needs.

 

With the right documents, you can have greater assurance that your wishes will be followed if you are incapacitated or after you pass away:

 

• Wills. A Will allows you to direct who will receive your assets after you die. I can help you compose a Will which can save your loved ones from confusion and needless litigation over your estate.

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• Trusts. A trust is a legal and financial vehicle that can benefit any person or organization you choose. The revocable living trust is an essential document not only for disposing of your estate at death but even more so for assuring that a person or corporate fiduciary of your choosing can use your assets to care for you, your spouse, children, grandchildren, or partner in the event of your incapacity. Supplemented by a power of attorney, the trust is one of the best means to protect you when you cannot make decisions on your own. I can help you direct your assets by establishing a revocable trust

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• Probate administration. I can help in the appointment of your personal representative (executor) of your choice to probate your will after your death and perform important estate-related tasks, such as inventorying your possessions, filing your income tax return, preparing your estate tax return, if required, paying your creditor claims, and distributing your assets according to your expressed wishes. We service clients in Porter County, Lake County, Jasper County and Newton County. 

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• Powers of attorney. With my assistance, you can establish a power of attorney by which a person whom you trust is authorized to manage your assets, sign legally binding documents, defend you in lawsuits, prosecute lawsuits, file income tax returns, apply for governmental benefits, and make financial decisions for you if you are physically or mentally unable. 

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• Health care directives/proxies/living wills. A health care directive – a living will – can legally obligate health care professionals to provide or withhold certain medical care according to your wishes if you become incapacitated and cannot convey your desires. The health care proxy is authorized to make your medical decisions for you when you cannot. I can help you draft any of these documents to your specifications.

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• Guardianships. I assist clients in establishing guardianships for minor children and/or incapacitated adults. Sometimes the guardianship is only of the person; sometimes it is only of the person's property; and sometimes both. The courts try to order the least restrictive form of guardianship, and I can help in the process.

   

   

  PROBATE - A family member's death can be a hard time. Our staff has combined over 30 years experience in Indiana Probate and are ready to answer the question of what comes next. 

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