Why We are Different:
Our firm was built with the needs of families and professionals in mind. We understand that you are busy building a family, career, and a prosperous future for yourself and your loved ones, so we have made this process personal, streamlined, and straight forward.
At the Cleverly Law Firm, we’ve developed unique systems to give you the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with having a plan in place for your family’s future. We go above and beyond to protect your family and we are the only firm in area that offers a comprehensive Kid’s Protection Plan – naming short and long-term guardians for your children.
All of the planning we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any “surprise” bills in the mail. We also ensure that the most important details of your planning are followed through even after you walk out of our office.
Finally, because your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall family wealth, we also help ensure that your legacy, values, and hopes are passed down to those you love.
How We are Different:
I don’t believe in getting “paid for paper” or creating documents. Actually, during our planning session I will rarely even refer to specific documents until we near the end of our discussion. I take a bit of a different approach than most law firms and I begin with the end in mind and work backwards.
My focus is on getting to know you, your family, learning your concerns, your wishes and your desires for what you want to have happen both in life and after you’re gone; it’s my job to figure out the proper documents to make that happen.
While our focus is not on the documents, we will provide a comprehensive set of legal instruments to protect your family and your legacy.
A Living Will:
Or what is sometimes referred to as a healthcare directive, legal guidance for your treating physicians should you become incapacitated;
HIPAA Forms:
So that your loved ones or those you designate can access your medical records in the event of your incapacity;
Medical Power of Attorney:
Again providing those you designate the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so;
Legal Power of Attorney:
Documents, even though you may be incapacitated, life goes on, bills need to be paid and accounts need to be accessed
Pour Over Will:
This is used in trust-based plans as a catch all, transferring any assets not titled in the name of the trust into the trust upon your passing.
Long/Short-Term Guardian Designations:
If you have minor children – both long- and short-term guardian designations and appointments;
Fiduciary Letters:
Sent to everyone you designate as a successor trustee, healthcare representative, guardian of your children, etc…letting them know of their roles, duties and responsibilities;
Getting you organized:
The example I often use is that if something were to happen to you and your spouse today and one of your siblings were to walk into your home would they have any idea as to where things were or how to access them? They would likely assume you have a checking and savings account, but would they know at what bank? Would they have the legal documentation to allow them to access the account? The same goes with life insurance, investment accounts, email accounts, computers, social media accounts, etc…We work with you to not just provide the documents your loved ones will need, but we provide them with a map of “what is where” in an effort to make what will inevitably be a difficult time a little bit less stressful.
Leaving behind more than just assets:
We will work with (and strongly encourage you) to draft letters, voice memos or videos sharing your life experiences, your insight and guidance for your children and spouse. Yes, we obviously hope we are all here for life’s big milestones – graduations, weddings, buying a first home, your children becoming parents themselves, etc…and hopefully you are and are able to share in those times, but if you are not, we want to make sure you leave behind your thoughts and wishes to be shared.
Just as, if not more importantly, is to leave behind guidance for then life gets hard; which it inevitably does. Heartbreaks, divorce, financials difficulties, the loss of a job, moving across the country and even your own passing are all times we as parents want to ensure we provide as much guidance and protection as we can for our loved ones.