Estate Planning
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It is for anyone who has people they care about, assets they want to protect, or wishes they want honored after they are gone. A well-crafted estate plan gives you control over what happens to your property, who makes decisions on your behalf if you cannot, and how your loved ones are protected when they need it most.
At Basha Law, PLLC, we take the time to understand your family, your values, and your goals — and we build an estate plan around them. We serve Vermonters at every stage of life, from young families establishing their first plan to individuals looking to update a plan after a major life change.
Our Estate Planning Services Include:
Wills — A legally binding document that sets forth your wishes for the distribution of your assets and the care of your dependents after your death. A will also allows you to designate an executor to administer your estate.
Revocable Living Trusts — A trust that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime while designating a trustee to administer them after your death — without the time, expense, and public exposure of probate court.
Durable Powers of Attorney — A document authorizing a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated.
Healthcare Directives & Advance Directives — Documents including your healthcare proxy and living will, ensuring that your medical care preferences are honored and that a trusted person can advocate for you.
Beneficiary Designations Review — We review and coordinate your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and transfer-on-death assets to ensure consistency with your overall plan.
Guardianship Designations — For parents of minor children, designating a guardian in your will is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Estate Plan Reviews & Updates — Life changes. We help you review and update your existing plan after major events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a move, or the acquisition of significant assets.
Why Estate Planning Matters:
Without a will or trust, Vermont law determines who receives your assets and who is appointed to administer your estate — which may not reflect your wishes. Probate proceedings are public, time-consuming, and can be costly. A proactive estate plan can bypass probate entirely, saving your family time, money, and stress during an already difficult time.