James D. Foster, Attorney at Law, PLLC

Introduction

Our firm is committed to excellence.  We know relationships do not grow faster than the speed of trust, so we listen to our clients, respect their time, and seek to create a peaceful experience as we help them navigate their legal needs.

Whether you want to create or update an estate plan, or need help starting, running, growing, or protecting a business, we are here to help.

Practice Areas

ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is a process that can benefit nearly every adult, regardless of age or economic status.  A comprehensive estate plan can help achieve the following:

• Enables you to control and protect your property and possessions while you are alive and well
• Designates someone else to take care of you, and your loves ones, if you become unable to make decisions for yourself and at your death
• Allows you to give what you want to whom you want, the way you want and determines when it will be given

WILL & TRUST

One key element in deciding between a will and a trust is understanding the probate process.  The term “probate” – which literally means “proving” – refers to the process wherein a decedent’s will must be authenticated, outstanding legitimate debts paid, and assets transferred to the beneficiaries.

The downside is that probate can take time and incurs additional expense.  The entire process is completely public, meaning if someone chooses to look, they can know exactly who got what and how to contact them. An upside of probate, however, is that creditor claims are cut off.

TRUST-BASED ESTATE PLANS

We love talking about estate planning with clients, helping them evaluate their goals as they look to the future.  We encourage our clients to think about who will care for them or their loved ones if they become incapacitated, or when they die.  Planning for minor children or those with special needs is especially important.  Clients often wish to steward their resources and direct assets to chosen beneficiaries in specific ways.  A trust-based estate plan is one of the common ways this is accomplished.