Shelbyville Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney

Large rural green field, with horses and cattle grazing the grass

Shelbyville, KY is one of the largest suburbs outside of Louisville–in fact, it is only a 35-minute drive away. Shelbyville has staked a claim as one of the best places in Kentucky to start a family. Starting a family, however, takes a lot more work than simply moving to a new area and buying a home. That’s why many young couples in Shelbyville seek the advice of an estate planning lawyer to help them get their financial affairs in order. A Shelbyville estate planning lawyer, elder law lawyer, and family law lawyer can assist. With the right plan in place, you can feel confident that your family will be taken care of as you put down roots in this charming Kentucky suburb.

Estate Planning, Family Law, & Elder Law Lawyer in Shelbyville, Kentucky

Anyone considering settling down and starting a family has a lot of planning to do beforehand. While the logistical and financial concerns are significant, it is equally important to consider the legal planning involved. 

If you or someone you know is thinking about settling down in Shelbyville, KY, get in touch with the family law and estate planning attorneys at Berkley Oliver. Our firm will help you with all of your family law and estate planning questions, from marriage to retirement to estate plans.

Family Law in Shelbyville, KY

Before you start a family, there are several legal matters you should consider. It may not appear that starting a family would require a lot of legal assistance, but there are many more components to the process than you might originally imagine. 

From marriage to divorce to adoption, many areas in family law require you to file stacks of complicated paperwork. While they might seem straightforward, these documents require a level of legal expertise that most non-lawyers do not possess. 

Luckily, the family law attorneys at Berkley Oliver are here to ensure that those vital documents — whether they be prenuptial agreements or legal emancipations — are correctly filed with the greatest ease possible.

Elder Law in Shelbyville, KY

Retirement is the reward awaiting you after decades of hard work, saving, and planning. You deserve to spend your golden years seeing the world and playing with your grandchildren, not worrying over minute details or fighting protracted legal battles. 

Berkley Oliver’s team of knowledgeable attorneys will help you with the legal aspects of the retirement phase of life to ensure that you are able to fully enjoy those years of your life. 

The practice of elder law is centered around caring for and respecting the older and more vulnerable members of our society. It concerns various aspects of retired life, such as the following:

Elder law is a compassion-driven practice, and at Berkley Oliver, we promise to dedicate our time and energy to caring for your legal needs during your golden years.

Shelbyville Estate Planning Lawyer

A big part of starting a family involves considering what kind of life you will leave for your spouse and children after you are gone. You need to ensure that all of the work you have done does not go to waste after your death. For this reason, everyone should consider contacting an attorney who specializes in estate planning. 

It is never too early to consider how to provide for your loved ones. Rather than forcing your grieving family to sort everything out in the wake of your loss, you can sleep soundly knowing there is a plan in place that will take care of them should anything happen to you.

Estate planning covers a number of different concerns. One of the most vital documents involved in estate planning is your last will and testament. This document spells out your last wishes and dictates who receives your inheritance. 

A thorough last will and testament will provide for funeral arrangements and name your inheritors. 

Trusts are another element of estate planning. A living trust is established while you are alive and simply ensures that in the case of death or incapacitation, trustees whom you have chosen will be tasked with dispersing your money and property to the recipients whom you have designated.

What Are The Requirements for a Will in Shelbyville KY?

Like most states, Kentucky has specific requirements that must be met for a will to be considered legally valid. Here are the key requirements for a valid will in Kentucky:

  • The testator (person making the will) must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
  • The will must be signed by the testator in the presence of at least two credible witnesses who are both present at the time the will is signed.
  • The testator must sign the will freely and voluntarily without undue influence from others.
  • The witnesses should not have any interest in inheritance under the will.
  • The will should clearly state that it is the testator’s last will and testament and revokes any prior wills.
  • The will must name an executor to carry out the provisions of the will and settle the estate.
  • The will must be dated.
  • The testator’s signature and those of the witnesses must be self-proving for a notarized will.

The tax codes and inheritance laws addressed in estate planning are incredibly complex and are difficult to navigate without professional help. An estate plan is too important to leave up to chance. You don’t want to try to handle something this complicated on your own, only for your family to have to clean up the mess after you are gone. 

That is why you should always seek professional legal counsel for your estate planning needs. At Berkley Oliver, we are skilled in estate planning and can offer personalized care and assistance for any of your estate plan concerns.

If You Are Seeking a Shelbyville Estate Planning Lawyer or Family Lawyer, Call Berkley Oliver Today

You and your family need support during important milestones like marriage, adoption, retirement, and estate planning. If you need skilled family law and estate planning attorneys in Shelbyville, KY, contact Berkley Oliver today.