You have worked hard to build a life for yourself and your family. Whether you own a home, have children, operate a business, or simply want to make things easier for your loved ones, having a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most important gifts you can leave behind.
At Elizabeth Maxey Long, Attorney at Law, PLLC, we help individuals and families throughout Tennessee create estate plans that provide clarity, security, and peace of mind. Every family is different, which is why every estate plan should be tailored to your unique goals, values, and circumstances.
Many people assume estate planning is only for retirees or the wealthy. In reality, every adult should have an estate plan in place. A properly prepared plan allows you—not the court—to decide who will receive your property, who will make financial and medical decisions if you become incapacitated, and who will care for your minor children if something happens to you.
Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive revocable living trust, we can help you create an estate plan designed to protect your family and provide confidence for the future.
Without an estate plan, Tennessee law determines who inherits your assets and who will make important decisions if you become unable to do so. Those default laws may not reflect your personal wishes.
A well-designed estate plan can help you:
A Last Will and Testament is the foundation of many estate plans. Your will allows you to specify how your property should be distributed after your death and gives you the opportunity to appoint trusted individuals to carry out your wishes.
A Tennessee will can also allow you to:
Many people believe that having a will allows their family to avoid probate. In Tennessee, however, a will generally must still go through the probate process. While probate is not always difficult, there are situations where families prefer additional planning options.
We will help you determine whether a will alone is appropriate for your circumstances or whether a revocable living trust may better accomplish your goals.
For many Tennessee families, a revocable living trust is an excellent estate planning tool.
A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds ownership of your assets during your lifetime. Because the trust is revocable, you maintain complete control over your property while you are living. You can amend the trust, add or remove assets, or revoke it entirely if your circumstances change.
After your death, the successor trustee you have chosen can manage and distribute trust assets according to your instructions.
Depending on your circumstances, a revocable living trust may provide several advantages, including:
Not everyone needs a revocable living trust, but many families find that the additional planning and flexibility are well worth it. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and help you determine whether a trust-based estate plan is right for you.
Estate planning is not just about what happens after your death. It is also about protecting yourself during your lifetime.
A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle financial and legal matters if you become unable to act on your own.
Your chosen agent may be able to:
Without a valid Durable Power of Attorney, your loved ones may have to ask a Tennessee court to appoint a conservator before they can assist you with important financial decisions.
Medical emergencies often happen unexpectedly. An Advance Directive for Health Care allows you to communicate your wishes before a crisis occurs.
This document enables you to:
Having these conversations and putting your wishes in writing can give both you and your loved ones valuable peace of mind.
Many people focus solely on what happens after death, but planning for incapacity is just as important.
An illness, accident, or unexpected medical event can leave someone temporarily or permanently unable to make financial or medical decisions. A comprehensive estate plan helps ensure that trusted individuals are legally authorized to step in and act on your behalf.
By preparing the proper legal documents now, you can avoid unnecessary court involvement and make the process much easier for your family.
Estate planning is not a one-time event. Your documents should be reviewed whenever significant life changes occur, including:
Regular reviews help ensure your estate plan continues to reflect your wishes.
Every family’s situation is different. Some clients need a straightforward will, while others benefit from a revocable living trust and additional planning documents.
Whether your estate includes:
We can help you create a plan that reflects your goals and protects the people you love.
Our approach is educational, practical, and personalized. We take the time to explain your options in plain language so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Planning for the future isn’t limited to estate planning. Elizabeth Maxey Long, Attorney at Law, PLLC also assists clients throughout Tennessee with drafting prenuptial agreements.
A prenuptial agreement allows couples to openly discuss financial expectations before marriage and establish clear agreements regarding property, debts, and other financial matters. Far from planning for divorce, a thoughtfully prepared prenuptial agreement can promote transparency, reduce uncertainty, and help couples begin their marriage with a shared understanding of their financial future.
Every prenuptial agreement is carefully tailored to the couple’s unique circumstances and prepared in accordance with Tennessee law. Whether you are entering your first marriage, remarrying later in life, own a business, have children from a previous relationship, or simply want greater financial clarity, a properly drafted prenuptial agreement can provide peace of mind for both parties.
Elizabeth Maxey Long, Attorney at Law, PLLC provides comprehensive estate planning services throughout Tennessee, including:
Yes. Most trust-based estate plans also include a “pour-over will,” which works alongside your trust and addresses assets that were not transferred into the trust during your lifetime.
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on your family, your assets, and your goals. During your consultation, we will discuss which option best fits your needs.
If you die without a valid will, Tennessee’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your property. Those rules may not reflect your personal wishes and can create additional complications for your loved ones.
Most people should review their estate plan every three to five years or whenever a significant life event occurs.
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important investments you can make for your family’s future. Whether you are creating your first will, considering a revocable living trust, or updating an existing estate plan, Elizabeth Maxey Long, Attorney at Law, PLLC is here to help.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family, preserving your wishes, and planning confidently for the future.
