Estate planning is one of the most caring things you can do for the people you love.
At Mathews Law, we focus on helping individuals and families create clear, thoughtful plans that protect their loved ones, preserve their assets, and provide peace of mind—both during life and after death. Our approach is personal, practical, and designed to meet you where you are.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of naming decision-makers and documenting your wishes in case of incapacity or death. A well-designed plan answers critical questions, such as:
- Who will manage my finances if I can’t?
- Who will make medical decisions for me?
- How will my assets be distributed?
- Who will care for my minor children?
- How can I minimize court involvement, delays, and unnecessary costs?
- How can I protect my family’s privacy?
Proper estate planning ensures that your wishes guide what happens.
Will-Based Plans and Trust-Based Plans
One of the first decisions in the estate planning process is whether a will-based plan or a trust-based plan is right for you.
Will-Based Planning
A will-based plan is often appropriate for simpler estates or where most assets pass by beneficiary designation. This type of plan generally includes:
- A Last Will and Testament
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Advance Medical Directive
- Appointment of agents for funeral and disposition decisions
While wills can be effective, assets passing through a will are often subject to probate and court oversight.
Trust-Based Planning
A trust-based plan uses a revocable living trust to hold assets during life and distribute them after death. Trust-based planning can:
- Avoid probate
- Provide smoother disability planning
- Protect privacy
- Allow customized distributions to beneficiaries
- Reduce administrative burden for loved ones
Trust-based plans are especially common for families with minor children, blended families, beneficiaries who need additional protection, or clients who value efficiency and privacy.
We help you understand the pros and cons of each approach so you can make an informed, confident decision.
Our Estate Planning Process
We believe estate planning should feel manageable—not overwhelming. Our process is designed to be clear, supportive, and efficient.
- Discovery & Education
We learn about your family, assets, concerns, and goals while educating you on your options. - Design Meeting
We work together to design a plan tailored to your needs and values. - Drafting & Review
Your documents are carefully drafted and reviewed with you to ensure accuracy and understanding. - Signing & Implementation
We oversee proper execution of your documents and guide you on next steps to ensure your plan works as intended.
Who We Serve
We work with individuals and families at all stages of life, including:
- Empty nesters
- Young families with minor children
- Married couples and blended families
- Single individuals
- Same-sex couples
- Retirees and pre-retirees
- Clients with complex assets or family dynamics
Our clients value clarity, efficiency, and a trusted legal advisor who takes the time to get things right.
Why Choose Mathews Law?
- Focused Practice – Estate planning is a core part of what we do
- Attorney-Led – Your plan is guided and overseen by an experienced estate planning attorney
- High-Touch Service – We prioritize communication, education, and responsiveness
- Clear Guidance – We explain your options in plain English
- Long-Term Support – We help ensure your plan continues to serve you as life changes
Keep Your Plan Up to Date
An estate plan is not a one-time transaction. Life changes—and your plan should change with it. Many clients choose to enroll in our Client Care Program, which provides ongoing reviews, updates, and support to keep your plan current and effective.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to create—or update—your estate plan, we’d be honored to help.
Schedule a consultation to begin the process of protecting what matters most.