Newington Estate Planning Attorney

Providing Skilled Legal Representation Throughout the Estate Planning Process

Does your family have a financial plan in place if you were to pass away suddenly? At the Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC, our attorneys recognize that contemplating your own death can be emotionally challenging. Even so, planning for the future is the best way to ensure your family is well cared for, no matter what circumstances may arise.

Our Newington estate planning attorneys have comprehensive experience assisting clients with their legal needs so they can be secure in the knowledge that their family is protected. If you have questions or are ready to put together an estate plan that works for every part of your life, contact our law office today to schedule an appointment.

What Legal Documents Should I Include in a Comprehensive Estate Plan?

To ensure that your affairs are in order, several legal documents must be included in your estate plan. These essential documents include:

Last will: Drafting a will is a standard method for detailing how your assets will be distributed after your death. Individuals can also name who should be appointed as a guardian for their minor children
Revocable living trust: Creating a living trust is an efficient way to ensure that your loved ones and beneficiaries can quickly obtain their assets without having to go through probate. Once you place assets into the trust, they are no longer considered to be your property and therefore exempt from probate
Durable power of attorney: A legal document that appoints a person whom you trust to act as your “agent” should you become incapacitated and unable to manage your financial affairs
Advanced healthcare directives: Advanced healthcare directives include a durable healthcare power of attorney, which allows your agent to make healthcare decisions if you cannot speak or act on your behalf, and a living will that outlines the type of medical care you wish to receive with an emphasis on preferred end-of-life care.

Another critical legal document that should be included in your estate plan is a signed HIPAA authorization that allows your healthcare representative to have access to your healthcare information so they can make informed decisions on your behalf. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and bank and retirement accounts also allow your beneficiaries to access their resources without having to wait for probate to conclude.

How Can Estate Planning Minimize Taxes for My Loved Ones After I Pass Away?

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to implement key strategies to ensure your loved ones are not forced to pay excessive estate taxes. By minimizing taxes, your family members and other beneficiaries will have more economic resources at their disposal as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Some of the best options that can be utilized to minimize taxes include:

Trusts

Placing your assets in living trusts so they will be exempt from probate and estate taxes. Common trusts that are frequently used to avoid estate taxes include irrevocable trusts, including irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), and charitable trusts.

Gift Taxing Strategies

Connecticut law allows individuals to gift up to $19,000 in 2025 to others per year without having to pay tax. Spouses can combine their gift tax options and give up to $38,000 to one single individual if both agree. Other gift taxing options include utilizing $13,99 million per person in a lifetime gift tax exclusion, which can be used during your lifetime or after your death. Strategic gift-giving strategies help to reduce your taxable estate and liability.

Due to the legal complexities that accompany minimizing estate taxes, it is best to hire a skilled attorney who can ensure that any strategies you implement comply with federal and state law.

What Life Events Should Prompt a Review of My Estate Plan?

Because most people’s lives can quickly change from year to year, it is recommended that individuals periodically review their estate plan every three to five years. If you experience a significant life event, it is recommended that you review and make necessary changes immediately. Significant life changes that facilitate a review include:

Changes in marital status: Marriage, remarriage, or divorce will likely require you to change or amend your estate plan to align with your current situation. Some of the most frequent adjustments include adjustments to beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and payable-on-death bank accounts
Changes related to your family members: If you have or adopt a child or your children reach adulthood, you want to be sure that your estate plan accurately reflects your current situation, who should be their guardians, or the financial resources you want them to receive. If a family member dies, you will also need to amend any power of attorney, beneficiary designations, or other accounts in which they may be named
Financial changes: Changes to your financial status, including any significant gain or decrease in your wealth or income, should always be addressed by a revised estate plan

Contact Our Newington Estate Planning Lawyer Today to Learn More About Our Legal Services

The Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC is a Connecticut law firm that is committed to helping individuals plan for the future. A well-crafted estate plan is the most effective way to express your final wishes and help your family avoid disputes. Regardless of whether you want to provide for your loved ones, friends, or other beneficiaries, estate planning will give everyone the reassurance they need to face the future with confidence.

For your convenience, you may contact our New Britain office at 860-854-3809 or the Avon office at 860-854-3545 to book a consultation with a qualified legal team member who will gladly determine what options suit your needs.