Fiduciary Services in Lynchburg, Virginia and the Surrounding Area
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most challenging decisions can be selecting the right individuals for key roles such as Executor, Health Care Proxy or Agent, or Power of Attorney. It's a common dilemma that can be difficult to address. But worry not, because we are here to assist you!
Assisting Families with Long-Distance Relationships
In today's mobile society, it's not uncommon for adult children and their spouses to relocate to new places. Similarly, seniors often decide to downsize and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle in a climate they prefer or a walkable community. While staying in touch with family from a distance is easier than ever, it's crucial to have someone nearby who can step in during emergencies!
In such cases, Attorney Robert W. Haley has provided fiduciary services to clients. Whether acting as an agent under a Power of Attorney, trustee, or executor, Mr. Haley works closely with you, adhering to the ethical guidelines set by the Virginia State Bar. With his extensive experience in these roles and his deep understanding of estate planning law, Mr. Haley can serve as your trusted fiduciary. This provides great peace of mind to clients who seek a reliable person to rely on during challenging times.
Addressing Family Dynamics that Hinder Family Members from Serving
Unfortunately, there are situations where it is unwise or unsafe to appoint a family member as an Agent, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, or Agent. While these circumstances are not ideal, they do occur. A family member might struggle with substance abuse, or there could be long-standing estrangement. Blended families can also present significant challenges when it comes to appointing agents or executors in estate planning.
In such cases, it is prudent to have a trusted professional act as a fiduciary. Certified Elder Law Attorney Robert W. Haley is well-versed in fulfilling all these roles, allowing clients to feel confident that their affairs are in capable hands. This approach ensures that the challenges within the family's history remain separate from the estate plan, providing a sense of relief and security.
Planning for Incapacity without Concerns
Planning for incapacity can be more complex than planning for death. Entrusting someone to honor your wishes as expressed in a Living Will or a Health Care Power of Attorney requires a leap of faith. If your spouse is unable to make decisions during times of great stress, which is not uncommon, or if you are uncertain about your adult children's ability to follow your directives, having a dedicated professional overseeing your wishes can bring immense comfort.
Once you have worked with Attorney Robert W. Haley to create your estate plan, he and the firm's attorneys will be intimately familiar with your unique circumstances. They will help you best articulate your desires regarding incapacity and properly incorporate them into your estate planning documents. With this support, you can focus on living your life without the worry of whether your spouse or loved ones will be able to make difficult decisions when the time comes.
Creating Essential Estate Planning Documents
It is crucial to have properly prepared estate planning documents that include legal provisions for Executor selection, Durable Power of Attorney for financial matters, and Health Care Power of Attorney for medical decisions. Additionally, you should name at least one successor Executor, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy. Attorney Robert W. Haley can guide you in identifying suitable candidates for primary and successor roles, and if necessary, even a third person to assume these responsibilities.
Without a properly executed will and other estate planning documents in place, your estate will encounter delays as well as added expense and may be distributed to your heirs if there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner. If this is not your desired outcome, creating an estate plan with our firm is the best solution.
Attorney Robert W. Haley possesses extensive experience and qualifications to serve as a fiduciary. His knowledge and dedication have been acknowledged by the Courts, where he has been appointed as a conservator of an estate or, in some cases, as a successor administrator in Probate estates where the original fiduciary was removed.
To ensure top-notch fiduciary services, Mr. Haley is currently pursuing accreditation as an Investment Fiduciary (AIF). This advanced designation is achieved by meeting rigorous educational, competence, conduct, and ethical standards that uphold a fiduciary duty and prioritize clients' best interests. The AIF® Designation, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and recognized by FINRA, places Mr. Haley among an elite group of accredited professionals.
For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
