Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Probate Law

Effective estate planning helps you to pass your valuable belongings on to your loved ones or other intended beneficiaries through clear directives and sound tax planning. Such planning can benefit families of modest wealth as well as those who have been blessed with substantial assets. The failure to properly prepare and implement estate plans can result in unnecessary tax and other unfavorable financial consequences, tremendous stress on loved ones and friends, and in some cases, deep fractures of once dear relationships. Where businesses are involved, the adverse effects of poor or no succession planning can reach far beyond those who own the business to employees, customers, and suppliers. There is no single answer, no cookie-cutter formula, that works well for everyone. That is why our attorneys take the time to understand our clients' wishes and craft documents tailored to each client’s particular circumstances.

The Estate Planning and Probate practice group at Locher Pavelka Dostal Braddy & Hammes, LLC serves the needs of individuals, families and businesses throughout Nebraska and Iowa, and is led by an attorney who has earned a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license (currently inactive). Our experienced attorneys prepare comprehensive estate plans tailored to individual and family needs that are designed for today’s changing tax environment. We work closely with—and often advise and represent—fiduciaries such trustees, guardians, conservators, personal representatives, executors, and administrators to protect the interests of those individuals who require court-supervised assistance in their personal or financial affairs. We assist our clients in protecting, transferring and valuing possessions and to preserve their dignity through wills, trusts, powers of attorney (including powers of attorney for healthcare), and thoughtful advanced directives to family and healthcare providers. Throughout this process we routinely work closely with our client’s accountants, bankers and other financial advisors.

In short, we work hard to integrate personal, family and business interests to best meet the personal goals of our clients. Should you have the need for estate planning or assistance with a probate matter, please consider contacting us as we would be happy to listen to you and help design an effective plan to address your specific situation.