Estate Planning
Estate Planning
If you have a well-drafted estate plan in place, you'll ensure that your estate passes to whom you want, when you want, and is carried out in the manner you've chosen. You can rest assured that your family won't have to endure the public process and costly matter of probate. The government won't be able to take what you've spent a lifetime building. But you need to be aware of the many options that exist in estate planning - and you must choose your estate planning attorney wisely. We offer a wealth of free information and free estate planning/living trust seminars for residents in and around the Southwest Virginia/Northeast Tennessee area. Schedule today! We want you to feel confident about the choices you make - let us be your guide on the path toward preserving your family's future. Our services meet any planning need. There is no estate too large or too small.
Probate/Trust Administration
If your family has experienced the loss of a family member, our law firm can assist you with the legal process that occurs when a loved one passes away. If your loved one had a Will or passed "intestate," the family will go through a process called probate. If your loved one had a Trust, the family will go through a process called trust administration. Either way, you must have competent and timely information to complete either process. Let our firm help you to ensure the proper administration of your loved one's estate.
Retirement Planning
Why is retirement protection needed? Taxes and Medicaid planning should be on the forefront. Other concerns are how the money is spent if you become mentally disabled and incapable of managing your financial affairs. Additionally, the smart retiree will want to protect the retirement income from creditors, judgments, and divorce. We can help you find the answers to protecting your retirement. Whether you are planning on retiring this year, next year or 10 years from now, successful retirement depends on you having a comprehensive retirement plan that addresses enhancing and protecting wealth. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss retirement protection.
Fiduciary Law
The Ratliff Law Firm is frequently called upon to pursue or defend trustees, executors, guardians, charitable organizations, educational institutions, banks, trust departments, partners, joint venturers, and the shareholders, officers and directors of corporations. We are regularly involved in the following types of fiduciary litigation:
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We counsel clients on preventing unnecessary costly fiduciary litigation and avoiding future claims. We also work with clients to resolve fiduciary disputes through mediation and arbitration where appropriate.
Exit Planning
Everyone exits their business. It is up to you to decide how you leave and who will be in charge when you leave. Leaving in style means leaving your business to the successor you choose, for the price you want at a time you pick. An exit plan makes all that possible. The Ratliff Law Firm wants to establish a beneficial, trusting relationship with your business so that you can "leave in style." Schedule an appointment with our office for a free PowerPoint presentation on exit planning!
Other Areas
Something not covered here? Would you like to know if The Ratliff Law Firm handles another area of the law? Give us a call! We frequently cover areas of legal novelty. If we do not practice the area of law you need, we will always help you to find a qualified attorney in our area. This is just one more way that The Ratliff Law Firm takes care of its community and its clients' legal needs!