Hawkins, Folsom & Muir has expertise in a broad range of practice areas and is dedicated to providing superior legal representation and exceptional client service. Below you will find those practice areas most frequently sought by our clients:
Probate, Trust and Estate
Administration
If you are a beneficiary or are otherwise involved in executing a will, dividing an estate, or administering a trust or estate in any way, the legal terms and procedures can be complex and confusing. There is exposure to personal financial liability. Court supervision may be required. If you are an individual or corporate personal representative, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or beneficiary, our firm can simplify the legal process for you with expert and compassionate guidance very step of the way, whether court supervision is required or not.
Probate, Trust and Estate
Litigation
When conflicts involving trusts and estates end up in the courtroom, your rights and interests may be in jeopardy. Disputes may arise from conflicting interpretations of a will or trust, mistakes, jealousies, suspicions, improper accountings, failures to account and other breaches of fiduciary duties by executors, trustees, and other personal representatives. Fiduciary litigation may become necessary when a power of attorney is misused by one entrusted to act responsibly. We will use our extensive in-court experience to preserve, protect and enforce your rights and to obtain justice for you as the law demands.
Will and Trust Contests
A will or a trust may not reflect one's true wishes and may be the product of fraud, duress, undue influence, and/or mistake. A will or trust may have been made by one who lacked testamentary capacity - i.e., the maker did not know or understand the nature or extent of (i) their properties, (ii) their family relationships, and/or (iii) the manner in which their properties were to be distributed. The maker's intent may not be clear. When you need the law to make sure your love one's true wishes are honored and respected, our attorneys will be your advocates in the courtroom.
Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Estate and Gift Taxes
Everyone should have a plan for the disposition of their assets and be able to make appropriate provision for their family members or other intended beneficiaries in the event of death, without costly litigation, taxes, and other administration expenses. We will put your concerns to rest as we work with you to create a thorough, personal estate plan that is legally sound, accurately expresses your wishes, and properly addresses any applicable estate, gift or generation-skipping transfer tax issues.
Guardianships of the Estate and Person
Tragedy and disease leave many elderly persons vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and neglect. Minor children may also need appropriate legal representation. We can help you through the legal process of appointing a guardian of the estate and/or of the person to protect your loved ones and/or their properties. We can also assist you with the ongoing administration of guardianship estates.
Elder Abuse, Exploitation
and Neglect
Unfortunately, the elderly are
all too often physically, emotionally, financially, and even sexually abused by
predators, relatives, and caregivers alike. We do not tolerate this abuse. If an older or vulnerable person suffers a
personal injury or death caused by abuse or neglect, or suffers a loss of money
or property caused by exploitation, the person causing such injury, death or
loss is liable for two times the actual damages incurred by the older or
vulnerable person. Our firm will be the voice of elderly victims and their
loved ones in the courtroom, so they can have the legal protection, security,
and happiness they deserve.
and More
Hawkins, Folsom & Muir has vast experience that can serve your diverse legal needs. Learn about our experience by following this link to our attorneys.
