Whether you are just now considering putting together your estate plan, or it’s been a while since you made yours and you need to review and update it, you have plenty of options. From law firms to websites and even customizable forms you can download, there is no shortage of individuals and entities ready to dispense estate planning advice.
However, this is an area in which having local counsel can net far greater benefits. If you reside in Brandon or Rankin County and you’re ready to get working on your estate plan, let Palmer & Slay, PLLC show you the advantages of working with a locally based and knowledgeable firm.
Experience With State-Specific Laws
Perhaps the most obvious reason that anyone hires a particular law firm is the attorney’s knowledge of the law. When it comes to estate planning, there are many aspects subject to federal rules surrounding things like trusts, estate taxes, and Medicare planning.
However, there are some rules that vary by state, so you will want an attorney who understands what the specific requirements are for where you live. For instance, Mississippi has its own rules about what makes a last will and testament valid. Our firm knows the laws surrounding estate planning and we know how to draft legal instruments and documents that are enforceable.
Understanding Recent Changes to the Laws
Although many elements of estate planning have been long-standing fixtures of the legal landscape, there are regular updates and changes to the laws that you need to be aware of. One of those is the federal gift tax exemption, which is the amount of money that an individual can give away each year tax-free. The exemption amount changes annually, with the current amount of $19,000 per individual as of 2025.
Your lawyer should be aware of any and all federal and state changes to the estate planning laws that may affect your plan or prompt you to review and update an existing one.
Personalized Service to Meet Your Goals
A Brandon and Rankin County estate planning attorney has a personal investment in their community that outside firms and online estate planning companies simply will not have. We recognize that there is no “typical” estate plan because each one is different. Our firm cares about the unique contours of your life and objectives and how they will impact your plan.
When you retain us, we take the time to develop a personal relationship, learn about you and your family, find out what exactly you want from an estate plan, and then get to work creating one. We explain various options and tools and help you decide which ones are right for you.
Long-Term Cost Savings and Benefits
It’s tempting to go with an online estate planning service or downloadable template to create a will and draft other legal instruments. Perhaps you are drawn to this by the low price and convenience. But while you may save money in the upfront costs of estate planning by purchasing low-priced options online, these “inexpensive” alternatives could cost you more in the long run.
That’s because forms and templates are not necessarily accurate with regards to state law or even federal law, nor are they always updated as the laws change. Moreover, many online options are not equipped to deal with the challenges of complex estates and unusual assets. A local law firm that serves Brandon and Rankin County will provide you with the information and options you need to make wise estate plans, not just a generic template.
Trust and Communication
Estate plans are serious, and they should not be left in the hands of someone you cannot trust or communicate well with (or at all). Hiring local counsel in Brandon and Rankin County helps you develop a relationship with someone who is responsive to your questions and concerns. We strive to deliver trusted, results-focused estate guidance that gives our clients the peace of mind they deserve to prepare for the future.
Are you ready to begin working on your estate plan? Do you want to know more about the process? Connect with Palmer & Slay, PLLC today to get started.