Whether you're planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, attorney Patience Ann Alexander, P.C. can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including: -Estate planning -Drafting Last Wills and Testaments -Drafting trusts -Gift and estate tax matters -Choosing appropriate executors and trustees -Durable General Powers of Attorney -Living Wills and Advance Medical Directives Securing your legacy: You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort. Attorney Alexander thoroughly analyzes your estate and strategizes the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing gift and estate taxes, naming guardians for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones. Drafting your last will and testament and living will: A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your will provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. Your living will sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a statutory heir, such as a friend, a domestic partner, or a charity. If you die without a will, state law determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pet - making decisions that might not reflect your desires. Attorney Alexander can draft wills and trusts that ensure your intentions are honored. Changing your will: As your life changes, so might your estate plan, and you may find yourself needing to update your will and any trust throughout your life. Attorney Alexander can update your estate plan to address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions. Appointment of guardian: If you have minor children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets' care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets.
Member: Virginia State Bar; District of Columbia Bar; West Virginia, Maryland and American Bar Associations.
Biography: Phi Alpha Delta. Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award in Advanced Federal Income Taxation; Washington D.C. Estate Planning Council (President, 2011; Vice President, 2010; Treasurer, 2009; Director, 2007, 2008, 2012; Chair, Membership Committee, 2008, 2009; Chair, Golf Committee, 2006, 2007); Northern Virginia Estate Planning Council; Alexandria Community Trust (Wealth Advisors Committee, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009).