Knowledgeable legal guidance can eliminate the confusion and stress often associated with wills and probate matters. At DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC in Norwalk, we advise individuals, families and businesses on various estate and succession concerns. Whether you’re looking to draft a testamentary document, revise an existing plan or settle the affairs of someone who has recently died, our experienced attorneys offer skilled counsel to help accomplish your objectives. Senior Partner David W. Stergas has an LL.M. degree in taxation and more than 30 years of practice in this field. He and attorney Marc J. Grenier provide individualized assistance throughout the will creation and execution processes.
Retired Probate Judge of 22 years, Anthony DePanfilis, leads our Estate planning department. His years of experience offers an even better understanding of the entire process.
Regardless of your age or the scope of your assets, our estate planning attorneys offer comprehensive legal support for Connecticut residents seeking to establish a will. You can rely on us to deliver knowledgeable counsel on:
Before you finalize your will, we’ll make sure that you understand potential tax consequences, the importance of appointing a qualified executor, and other key estate planning details.
Serving as the executor of someone’s estate is a serious responsibility, and our seasoned lawyers can help you carry out important tasks effectively. If the assets involved do not exceed $40,000, we will outline the small estate process by which you can submit an affidavit to the court in order to expedite the probate process. In standard cases before the Probate Court, we’ll explain what items can be transferred outside of probate, such as jointly held property, life insurance proceeds, and assets that have been placed in a living trust. From there, we’ll take you through each step of the probate process, including filing the will, making an inventory of the decedent’s assets and bringing them into the estate, contacting heirs, paying estate expenses and distributing the property in accordance with the will.
We are accomplished probate litigators who can handle any disputes that arise relating to the administration of the estate. These can include claims involving alleged fraud, undue influence, lack of capacity, or coercion. In negotiations, contested matters before the Probate Court and ex parte proceedings, our attorneys strive to enforce the testator’s intentions while minimizing the expense and aggravation associated with these matters.
Along with controlling how your assets should be allocated, you also have the right to control your medical treatment decisions, even if you are incapacitated due to injury or illness. However, without clear guidance, your doctors and loved ones might not know how to proceed. We draft living wills and documents appointing healthcare representatives so that you can express your wishes regarding certain treatments and place decisions into the hands of someone you trust.
DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC assists clients with various estate matters including the preparation of wills and the execution of probate responsibilities. To discuss your specific situation and goals at our Norwalk office, please call 203-846-9585 or contact us online.