Estate Planning Lawyer Serving Edmond, OK
No one wants to think about what happens after they die, but it’s also important to make sure that loved ones are cared for.
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, and depending on its size and the number of beneficiaries, it can get complicated.
Regardless of how big or small your estate is, it’s important that you protect your family’s future by specifying your wishes for after you pass.
At Cannon & Associates, we handle estate planning services with the care and consideration they deserve. We always take the time to get to know our clients and take an individualized approach with thoughtful solutions. Our Edmond estate planning lawyers are committed to freedom and will work to ensure that your family is taken care of after you’re gone.
Cannon & Associates
Cannon & Associates is a top law firm that handles personal injury, family law, and criminal defense in Oklahoma City, OK and surrounding areas. Our broad range of skills means we have ample experience, resources, and knowledge to draw upon that can meet all of your legal needs.
We can help with everything from real estate plans, businesses, trust planning, real estate transactions, charitable planning, wills, guardianship, and more, ensuring maximum tax benefit.
We are proud to be led by John Cannon, who has an AVVO rating of 10.0, the highest possible rating. This is based on factors such as client reviews, years of experience, awards, and more. We have handled numerous cases just like yours before and are prepared to support you through all legal matters.
Call us today to arrange a free consultation with one of our skilled estate planning lawyers in Edmond. Our practice areas cover Edmond, OK, and central Oklahoma. Call our law firm in Oklahoma City now at tel:4055913935.
What is Estate Planning in Edmond, OK?
Estate planning is where an individual or a family arranges for the transfer of assets after death. At Cannon & Associates, we will help you to preserve the maximum amount of wealth possible for your beneficiaries.
Perhaps the biggest concern for estate planners is the legal matter of state and federal tax law. A quality family law firm such as Cannon & Associates can ensure maximum tax benefit.
What is Included in an Estate?
An estate is a total property, real and personal, owned by an individual prior to distribution through a will or trust. Estate planning distributes both real and personal property to individual heirs.
Real Property
Real property is real estate but includes the land itself and any buildings or other improvements to the land. Real property encompasses the rights of use and enjoyment of the land and its improvements.
Personal Property
Personal property covers everything else, such as bank accounts, cars, and household items.
How is an Estate Divided?
Wills and trusts are the most common ways people divide their estate. How you choose to divide your estate has important tax implications. Trusts avoid probate, which is a lengthy and costly legal process.
Other times, the best solution is to make inter vivos gifts while you are still alive to minimize tax.
Wills
A will directs the distribution of your assets after your death. It can also include other important matters after your death, such as who will be the guardian of the children or your wishes for your burial and funeral.
A will can assign an executor to create a trust to hold assets for particular persons. For example, you may want to withhold assets for minor children until they reach a certain age.
A will is legally required to be witnessed and signed, and its implementation is a legal process. It must be filed with the state probate court and carried out by your designated executor. The document is a public record of the probate court, which oversees its execution and has jurisdiction over any disputes.
Trusts
Trusts are legal arrangements that arrange the transfer of assets between the owner, called the trustor or grantor, to a trustee. The grantor sets the terms for the trustee’s management of assets, and the trustee is obliged to act in accordance with the terms of the document.
Unlike wills, trusts become effective upon the transfer of assets, often while the grantor is still alive. Alternatively, a testamentary trust can be created after death in accordance with a will.
Trusts serve a variety of purposes both before and after death. The grantor continues to own the assets for tax purposes while alive while they still serve the trustee. After death, the assets can be transferred outside of probate, which can have tax benefits.
Other Aspects of Estate Planning Services
An Edmond estate planning attorney can help you put together a plan that maximizes the benefits for your family. They will also help you put together legal documents to ensure your wishes are followed. No matter the size of your estate, you should have a choice in things such as:
- Assigning powers of attorney for your financial affairs and health care in case you are unable to do so yourself.
- Assigning a guardian for minor children and their inheritance.
- Establishing trusts or charitable giving.
- The treatment of retirement plans and IRAs.
- Planning in case of bankruptcy.
- Minimizing estate tax, gift tax, capital gains tax, and income tax on trusts and estates.
Why You Should Hire an Edmond Estate Planning Attorney
An Edmond estate planning lawyer at Cannon & Associates can help to ensure that your family receives the most from your assets after you die.
An Edmond family law attorney can help you avoid probate and will also ensure that all legal documents are properly filed, in line with up-to-date laws. If you make any mistakes trying to do it yourself, it can cost you time and money.
With our help, you can have peace of mind, knowing that whatever happens, your loved ones will be taken care of, and your end-of-life wishes will be adhered to.
Probate Matters
Probate can be lengthy and expensive. However, a skilled probate attorney at Cannon & Associates can help you determine if probate is needed. They will be able to advise you on how to distribute your assets at less cost.
Business Law
If you have built a business, then you will want to ensure that it is looked after if anything happens to you. At Cannon & Associates, our estate planning lawyers can help you determine who will take over your business and will help you determine the most tax-efficient strategy for transferring it.
If you own one or more businesses, it is essential that you enlist the help of a law firm that understands business and corporate law.
Contact Cannon & Associates Estate Planning Law Firm Today
Estate planning can be difficult, especially if you have large assets to distribute. At Cannon & Associates, we are devoted to assisting our clients and protecting their family’s interests.
Our skilled team of attorneys has over 50 years of combined experience, so you can rest assured that your estate is in safe hands and that you are maximizing the benefit to your loved ones.
The attorney-client relationship is at the heart of our legal services. We always respond quickly and keep you informed so that the process is as smooth as possible.
Call our law firm now at tel:4055913935 for a free consultation with an Edmond estate planning attorney.
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MORE 5-STAR REVIEWS REVIEWS THAN 99% of LAWYERS IN OKLAHOMA
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"John has shown nothing but compassion and professional guidance in my case. He truly cares about his clients and is exceptionally understanding when it comes to any case he is representing. He communicates genuinely as well as in a timely matter. If I were able to give his firm any more than 5 stars, I most definitely would. He is incredible."
"John Cannon is an awesome attorney. He is very professional and honest. He really cares about his clients. John always gets back to you quickly to answer any questions you have regarding your case. I highly recommend CANNON & ASSOCIATES for any legal needs you may have."
"John Cannon has helped me through the hardest time in my life. He helped me through my divorce and custody case. He truly cares about his clients and it made me so happy he always put my daughter first and wanted what was in her best interest as a child. He is very sharp and resourceful and he has been very attentive and responsive to my needs, John is very polite and professional and he always has a great attitude. John always took the time to go over everything and explain everything in depth. I've enjoyed working with John and his team and would recommend him to other clients."
"I have known John for about 6 years now in his capacity as a Judge Advocate and a civilian attorney. John has a rare blend of both sharp analytical and interpersonal skills. I have seen John achieve positive outcomes for clients in complex scenarios and If you need an attorney who can do the same for you - this is your guy."
"John did a very good job. Although the outcome was not 100% what we expected(strange judgement) it was overall positive. I would, have and will continue to recommended him. Although I certainly hope to not need his services again in the capacity I hired him for I would not hesitate to call if I do. Thanks John"
"I signed up with John June 25th, July 5th I received an email that my case is in line to be DISMISSED, within a 2 week time period John made what was one of the most stressful times in my life better! Every case is different but he handled my case with care and he was extremely open in his communication throughout the whole process. I hope to never have to have a criminal attorney again but if I do I will definitely go back to John. I highly recommend him to anyone else who is needing an attorney!"
"John is a highly respected attorney. Professional and compassionate. He has a wealth of knowledge, being a military officer and having served as an Assistant District Attorney, a Public Defender, and an Assistant Attorney General. He helped a friend's son who was headed down the wrong path, but through John's legal defense the young man is now a successful business owner."
"John is a very professional attorney, who is not only concerned about the welfare of his client but very attentive and considerate of the family, or other bodies that are in the face of the adversity. While working on my family members case, John took time out to take a class that would educate him on how to approach the many different types of cases tried in the court room. John proved his sincerity to the calling of his job, being an attorney. I would definitely recommend him to anyone."
"Mr. Cannon went above and beyond for my wife. She was facing some pretty hard fines and prison time with the US Marshalls. Mr. Cannon fought a hard fight and got her a GREAT offer. Words cannot express how much I appreciate him and what he did for my wife. I would give 10 stars and I will be promoting him. He's that awesome. He keeps you informed, he will text or call you back, and he goes above what he is asked to do and I can reassure you"HE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER". I will continue retaining him for other things my wife is battling. High five and a great big hug to Mr. Cannon. Thank you!!! John took the reigns and provided us instant peace of mind. He was timely, respectful, transparent, very professional, honest and courteous. The service he provided was above and beyond our expectations. Can’t believe professionals like him are around. Highly highly without reservations recommend him and his team."
"John Cannon is an excellent attorney. He takes sincere interest in your needs. He maintains communication and provides all the information you might want to fully understand the legal process. He also suggests alternative resolutions to your legal needs so that you can make informed choices. I definitely recommend John."
"My experience with CANNON & ASSOCIATES was absolutely amazing. I hired John Cannon two days before my rebuttal statement was due back to the Staff Judge Advocate. Within that time frame he was able to talk to my Battery and Battalion Commanders, review my evidence, and help me write a rebuttal statement that help prove my case to them, the Brigade Commander and the Post Commanding General. Cannon worked thru the night to help me get the best results for me and my family. Due to his hard work and attention to detail I am still able to continue to serve my country and progress in my military career with no adverse actions on my record. I can not thank him enough on a job well done. Cannon showed me that he was invested in my case and I highly recommend you hire him when you need someone to represent you in a legal matter."
"John Cannon assisted me through a very difficult time in my military career. He worked tirelessly with me on my case and kept me informed during the entire process. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Cannon. He's incredibly knowledgeable with regards to military justice. The outcome of my case was successful and I attribute that to Mr. Cannon's professionalism and expertise in dealing with military law. I would highly recommend Mr. Cannon to anyone with military justice or criminal defense needs."
"Hands down the best lawyer. Mr.Cannon accepted my case and got on it the same day. I would give him 10 stars if I could. I really appreciate the dedication on how he handles things with a short time frame."
"Mr. Cannon has represented me on 2 criminal cases and one civil case over the past 4 years. He has always served me honestly, speedily and with good moral direction. John has integrity and humility. He has never belittled me or treated me in an unfair manor. I appreciate all that he has done for me and I most certainly recommend him to family, strangers and friends. I will definitely use Mr. Cannon in the future for any and all of my family's legal matters."
"Mr. Cannon went above and beyond for my wife. She was facing some pretty hard fines and prison time with the US Marshalls. Mr. Cannon fought a hard fight and got her a GREAT offer. Words cannot express how much I appreciate him and what he did for my wife. I would give 10 stars and I will be promoting him. He's that awesome. He keeps you informed, he will text or call you back, and he goes above what he is asked to do and I can reassure you"HE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER". I will continue retaining him for other things my wife is battling. High five and a great big hug to Mr. Cannon. Thank you!!!"
"I had a great experience with John. He is very personable and helped me a lot. I’m really grateful I found him. He made me feel confident that he was the right lawyer for my case and that he wasn’t trying to sell me but genuinely just wanted to help me. I would highly recommend John to anyone!"
"Working with Mr. Cannon has been a real life-saving experience for me and my family. He provides the knowledge of the possibilities as soon as he can get them, then works tirelessly to ensure that any concerns or questions are addressed immediately. He has been a great asset to us not only in the face of legal troubles, but in providing a sense of security that is truly reassuring in the face of the uncertain.Mr. Cannon has been a great resource and has been very patient with me. From the start he provided a list of things to do that would help me help him with my case and since the beginning has continued to give advice or suggestions on any matter that has bothered me with my situation, large or small. He is gentle, yet realistic, and this combination really does become a rock in tumultuous times such as these.I would highly recommend Mr. Cannon to anyone who needs a vigilant and committed attorney, especially one that stands by your side until your issue is resolved. He goes above and beyond not only to work, but to care for his clients!"
"John Cannon assisted me through a very difficult time in my military career. He worked tirelessly with me on my case and kept me informed during the entire process. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Cannon. He's incredibly knowledgeable with regards to military justice. The outcome of my case was successful and I attribute that to Mr. Cannon's professionalism and expertise in dealing with military law. I highly recommend Mr. Cannon to anyone with military justice or criminal defense needs."