We consider assisting clients with their estate planning needs to be one of our most important responsibilities. While our clients are a diverse group, we take significant pride in advising LGBT clients. Without proper estate planning, families may face increased taxes and uncertainty when a loved one dies. Successful estate planning is more than merely signing a simple will. It involves careful consultation with a client to learn about the client’s family situation, finances, and objectives. When appropriate, we will suggest a client create a trust such as a credit shelter trust, a marital trust, a revocable living trust, a life insurance trust or a special needs trusts. A comprehensive estate plan should also include planning for a client’s needs while still alive, through powers of attorney and health care proxies and ensuring that the client’s beneficiary designations on retirement and other accounts are consistent with the client’s overall estate plan. Our goal is to provide our clients with the advice and legal tools they need to ensure that their affairs are in order when illness or death occurs.