At the law office of Kevin J. Oursland, I help individuals, couples, and families evaluate their estate planning needs. I listen to your concerns, determine what property is involved, and draft a plan that effectively achieves your estate planning goals for the future. Contact me to discuss your legal needs with an experienced, compassionate, and personal estate planning lawyer.

Do I Need an Estate Plan?

Do you have assets? Do you have family or loved ones? Do you have a favorite charity that you would like your money or property to go to? If so, you should have an estate plan. Without an estate plan, the State of Nebraska will decide who gets your property when you die. You can avoid that outcome by creating your own estate plan.

How Much Will It Cost?

Not as much as you might think. As a general rule, I can develop a complete estate package, which includes a backup will, a living trust, a healthcare directive, and a durable power of attorney, for around $500.00. Your estate plan may be more or it may be less, depending on your situation, but I will be able to give you a good idea of how much it will cost before you make a decision.

How Long Will It Take?

Contrary to popular belief, estate planning does not have to be a long, drawn-out, complicated process. In many cases, the entire process can be completed in just two office visits.

Do I Need an Attorney to Create an Estate Plan?

No, but a lawyer experienced in estate planning can help you create a plan that achieves your goals and addresses your specific situation. To ensure that we create estate plans that achieve your goals and meet your needs, I work personally with you and give you the personal attention you deserve. I firmly believe that the only way you can achieve your estate planning goals is if I really listen to you and answer your questions honestly.

Does My Estate Have to Go Through Probate?

No. There are a number of things you can do to avoid probate. One very common way to avoid probate is to put your assets into a living trust. A living trust is an estate planning device that allows property to pass directly to beneficiaries without being delayed by probate. I can help you create a living trust that meets your specific needs. In addition, smaller estates may be able to be resolved through a simple affidavit. Regardless, it is important to establish an estate plan to ensure your final wishes are followed.

How I Can Help

As an experienced Nebraska estate planning lawyer, I can help you understand common estate planning techniques and offer advice of which techniques will most effectively suit your needs. I work with you to create estate planning documents, such as a:

• Will: A will is a document directing the distribution of real and personal assets upon your death. While a will tells loved ones how you would like property distributed to heirs, it can also appoint trustees, guardians for minor children, and the personal representative of your estate.
• Living Will: A living will is a document directing loved ones and doctors of your decisions involving life sustaining care, such as life support, artificial feeding, and other life sustaining care.
• Trust: Assets you place in a trust are managed by a fiduciary who distributes the trust assets as you direct within the trust document. A living trust (also called an inter vivos trust) is a trust you create that takes effect during your life. Many people create a living trust to avoid probate. However, it is only effective if it is maintained and funded. A testamentary trust is a trust created by your will that takes effect upon your death. A charitable trust allows you to place assets in trusts that will be distributed to a charity. A pet trust allows you to leave your pet to a care giver and sets aside money for the care of the pet.
• Healthcare Directive / Advance Directive: An advance directive, advance medical directive, healthcare directive, power of attorney for healthcare, or a healthcare proxy, are documents used to appoint another person to make your healthcare decisions or to explain your wishes for medical treatment if you are unable to speak for yourself. These documents are often necessary during advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other conditions causing you to lack mental capacity.
• Power of Attorney: A power of attorney is a document you can use to appoint another person to act on your behalf and make decisions which you have permitted them to make. A power of attorney often grants the individual to manage your financial affairs and other tasks, such as paying your bills.

For guidance from an experienced estate planning lawyer, contact me today.

KEVIN J. OURSLAND
Attorney at Law
1517 North Cotner
Lincoln, NE 68505
Phone: 402-474-5544 | Fax: 402-464-0250
E-mail

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Oursland Law Office, in Lincoln, Nebraska, serves clients in Denton, Pleasant Dale, Malcolm, Raymond, Walton, Roca, Omaha, Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, La Vista, Elkhorn, Papillion, York, Seward, Beatrice, Crete, Wahoo, Wilber, Waverly, Greenwood, Ashland, and Gretna.

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