Estate Planning and Probate Administration Attorney in Lafayette, Louisiana

The Estate Planning Lawyer You Can Trust
William Bryan Bull, Attorney at Law

Planning for the future is important, especially if you have children or a spouse who depend on you. If something were to happen tomorrow, you would want to know that your family was taken care of, your medical decisions were carried out and your estate was distributed the way you wanted. With extensive experience in drafting all kinds of wills and trusts, including special needs trusts, I can help you make sure that happens.

Contact me for a consultation to begin the process of planning for your family's future. I understand each client has unique circumstances, and as your estate lawyer, I will work closely with you to develop a will or trust that fits your needs and goals.

Wills

Wills allow for your estate to be distributed according to your wishes. Rather than letting a judge decide how your assets will be distributed after you pass away, a will gives you control and the peace of mind knowing that your family will not need to make difficult decisions later.

In addition, wills are especially important if you have young or disabled children. You can specify who you want to take care of your child if you are no longer able to do so.

Special Needs Trusts

Special needs trusts let you avoid spending down your assets and provide a better quality of life for your disabled child or spouse without jeopardizing government benefits.

State or federal assistance such as Medicare or Social Security require you to "spend down" your assets to qualify for benefits. For people who have disabled children or spouses, these benefits may not be sufficient to provide the quality of life you want for your loved one.

By setting up a special needs trust, you can protect assets, savings and inheritances and allow your dependent to qualify for government aid. You can use assets in a special needs trust to supplement government benefits to provide a better quality of life. For example, you may be able to pay for a private ward, rehabilitation services, nursing care, housing or personal effects that government aid does not cover.

Probate and Succession

If you have been named executor of a will, I will guide you through the process of opening probate and administrating the estate, including:

• Identifying and accessing assets and accounts
• Liquidating assets to pay outstanding debts
• Effecting transfer of title to legal heirs

Especially where real estate is involved, the legal requirements and documents for title transfer can be complex, but you can be confident knowing that I will walk you through each step with skill, patience and understanding. Moreover, I will provide you knowledgeable counsel on limiting tax consequences and personal liability during the estate administration process.

To discuss your estate planning or probate matter with an experienced attorney, contact me today. My office is open 8 to 5, Monday to Thursday, 8 to 3 on Fridays and closed daily 12 to 1 for lunch. Weekend and after-hours appointments are also available. My office is conveniently located in downtown Lafayette, close to the city, parish and federal courthouses.

William Bryan Bull, Attorney at Law
711 Johnston Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
Telephone: 337-234-4060
Fax: 337-234-4078
Map and Directions | E-mail Me

William Bryan Bull, Attorney at Law, represents clients in Lafayette, Crowley, Abbeville, St. Martinsville, Opelousas, Breaux Bridge, New Iberia and Broussard, LA including the Lafayette Parish, Vermillion Parish, Acadia Parish, St. Landry Parish and St. Martins Parish in the Acadiana region.

Printer Friendly View