Estate Planning & Probate
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot’s experienced attorneys offer Alaska families and business owners comprehensive estate planning services designed to help build, protect, and distribute their wealth. We take the time to understand your priorities and explain your options so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Our services in this area fall into four main categories: estate planning, estate administration and probate, trusts and trust administration, and tax and business planning.
A thoughtfully prepared estate plan ensures your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. We work with clients to create customized plans that address their unique personal, family, and financial circumstances.
Our estate planning services include:
- Wills
- Revocable and irrevocable trusts
- Durable powers of attorney
- Advance health care directives
- Living wills
- Guardianship designations for minor children
- Charitable giving strategies
- Estate and gift tax planning
The probate process can be complex and emotionally challenging. We assist personal representatives, executors, trustees, and beneficiaries with all aspects of estate administration, including:
- Opening and managing probate proceedings
- Identifying and valuing estate assets
- Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Resolving disputes among heirs and beneficiaries
Trusts can provide flexibility, privacy, and asset protection while helping families achieve long-term financial goals. We advise clients on the creation, funding, and administration of trusts, including:
- Revocable living trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
- Special needs trusts
- Charitable trusts
- Generation-skipping trusts
We also counsel trustees on their fiduciary duties and assist with ongoing trust administration.
For business owners and individuals with significant assets, estate planning often involves important tax and succession considerations. Our attorneys work to develop strategies that preserve wealth and facilitate smooth transitions.
Services include:
- Business succession planning
- Estate and gift tax planning
- Asset protection strategies
- Family limited partnerships and LLCs
- Charitable planning
Estate planning is not just about preparing documents—it is about making informed decisions that protect your loved ones and preserve what you have built. Whether your needs are simple or complex, our attorneys provide thoughtful advice and practical solutions.
Contact Us
If you need to talk about your options, contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable Estate Planning attorneys: Brian Durrell, Ann Bruner, Valerie Delatorre, Haley Wehrheim, or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
