Areas of Practice

Estate Planning

Estate Planning is not exclusively for the wealthy or those of a particular age.  A proactive and properly-drafted estate plan ensures the best protection of your autonomy during temporary or extended incapacity, control over the disposition of your property, the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones, and reduces the difficulty of administering your affairs during incapacity or after your death.  Estate Planning is one legal service that virtually everyone needs at some point in their life and is often a client’s first experience with a lawyer.  Bella Law specializes in educating clients about their options and creating customized plans that account for the specific goals and concerns of each client.

Estate (Probate) & Trust Administration

Guardianships & Conservatorships

When a family member or loved one passes away, it is often necessary for their estate to be probated, whether they died with or without a will. Often, when a person passes away, a Personal Representative (Executor) will need to be appointed in order to administer their property or to wrap up their affairs. The probate process is technical, and there are many considerations that go into determining the best course of action when probating a person’s estate. At Bella Law, we assist in appointing Personal Representatives, and we advise them on important matters concerning the administration of the estate. Unfortunately, disputes and disagreements sometimes arise among family members, and we are well-versed in handling these disputes. Sometimes, the decedent may have executed a trust, which means probate can be avoided, but the trustees still often need assistance in administering the trust.

Guardianships and Conservatorships can become necessary when an adult becomes incapacitated, and can no longer make medical or financial decisions for themselves. They might also become necessary once a minor child with a disability turns eighteen. If a person executed a Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney, Guardianships and Conservatorships can often be avoided, however, once a person has lost capacity, they can no longer legally execute these documents. At Bella Law, we are well-versed in Guardianship and Conservatorship law, and can assist family members and loved ones with the process.