Many individuals and families with relatively small estates are either told or believe that they need complicated trusts to avoid probate or estate taxes. However, for most middle income people, a trust is not needed to avoid estate taxes and there are often simpler and less costly options to avoid probate and to ensure that a decedent's wishes are fulfilled. These include, but are not limited to, the use of beneficiary deeds, proper beneficiary designations for bank and retirement accounts, and a properly drafted will.

As an attorney and CPA, Doug Lickert has the skills and experience to perform comprehensive estate planning, but strives to offer practical and affordable options to fulfill clients' estate planning goals and needs.

Contact Lickert Law Firm in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to schedule a free consultation.

North Little Rock Trust and Estate Attorney

We provide tailored and personal service that includes preparation of the following estate documents:

• Wills and Living Wills
• Revocable/Living Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Beneficiary Deeds
• Health Care Directives

Little Rock Probate Attorney

For decedents with no debt and less than $100,000, excluding their personal residence, property may be distributed by filing an Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate. Probate is not necessary and the process rarely involves the probate court. The $100,000 limit for small estates does not include stock, bank, or retirement accounts that have beneficiary or payable on death (POD) designations. For decedents with debt, more than $100,000 in probate property, excluding the personal residence, and family members or beneficiaries who do not agree on the distribution of property, probate may be necessary.

Contact Us Today

Contact Lickert Law Firm for a free consultation with an experienced North Little Rock small estate and trust lawyer.