Areas of Practice Sophisticated business and financial planning is essential for individuals of means and for closely-held businesses and their owners and officers. With attentive and personal service, we help our clients navigate complex legal and tax processes and recommend and implement appropriate transactions and solutions for them. Estate Planning Every individual wants to understand and control his or her financial situation. Estate planning is an important step in achieving that goal. Estate planning is a process by which individuals protect and preserve assets for themselves and their chosen beneficiaries, and transfer those assets, either during life or upon death, in accordance with predetermined goals. Through innovative and sophisticated planning we solve problems and attain the objectives for our clients and their beneficiaries. We also recognize the important part that planning for federal and state tax plays in this process and assist our clients to develop sound and innovative methods to reduce those taxes. Business Succession Planning Successful business owners create and pursue potential opportunities to maximize returns. When it is time to establish or restructure the ownership of a closely-held business, our attorneys can further enhance results with smartly tailored recommendations for drafting buy-sell agreements, reorganizing equity, establishing compensation programs and structuring employee incentive plans. Our perspective and our specialized skills allow us to contribute objectively while appreciating each client's unique goals for the success of the enterprise. Probate and Trust Administration We help individuals and financial institutions administer trusts and estates both immediately after death and during any long term trust administration. We also have significant experience in the preparation of estate tax returns and in representing our clients before the Internal Revenue Service. Other Services We provide legal services related to guardianships, income tax matters, contested trust and estate litigation, premarital agreements and transactional and real estate matters. In addition, we have excellent relationships with knowledgeable professionals outside our specialized areas of expertise and we draw on those resources as necessary to best serve our clients. Content ©COPYRIGHT 2006 Hamilton Thies Lorch & Hagnell LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED