WILLS, TRUSTS, PROBATE

Mr. Ross prepares wills, living trusts, living wills, health care powers of attorney and probates estates.

A person can direct how his/her property should be distributed upon death by using a will or trust.  

Living wills and health care powers of Attorney are used to give instructions if one becomes hospitalized.

It may be necessary to probate an estate when a person dies leaving assets titled in his/her name.  In this situation, the Court transfers title to to the property to the beneficiary/beneficiaries according to the will or according to law.

Bankruptcy

The purpose of bankruptcy is to give the debtor a fresh start.  Debtors may be able to discharge all debts while keeping all exempt property.  A Chapter 7 bankruptcy may discharge all debts.  A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors to make monthly payments.  Many factors are considered in determining whether one should do a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Personal Injury

Money (compensation) may be awarded when a person is injured due to negligence or fault of another, or when a person sustains damage to his/her property.  

For example, if someone is in an automobile accident, he/she may be entitled to money (compensation) for damages to his/her automobile, money for lost wages and money for pain and suffering.

Sale of Structured Settlements

The usual situation is that a person is receiving monthly payments (periodic payments) from an insurance company over a period of time and wishes to sell the right to receive monthly payments (periodic payments) in the future for a current lump sum amount.  The law regulates how a person must go about the sale.  The law provides that the seller must consult with a Professional and the Judge of Probate Court must approve such a sale.

GENERAL PRACTICE

Mr. Ross also handles other general civil matters.  For example, he may prepare a general power of Attorney, he may prepare deeds for real estate transfers or become involved in a collection case.  He does general civil trial work in all Courts.