Estate Planning

Estate Planning

Plan for What Matters Most

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Every adult benefits from having clear, legally sound documents in place. Without them, the state decides how your assets are distributed, who cares for your children, and who makes medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot.

Our estate planning team includes attorneys Haley Veller, who has 13 years as a Staff Attorney in the Connecticut Probate Court System, and Michel Pascal, who focuses on estate planning and probate from our East Haven office.

Estate Planning Services

• Wills
• Revocable living trusts
• Irrevocable trusts
• Asset protection trusts (Connecticut DAPT)
• Continuing trusts for beneficiaries
• Powers of attorney
• Health care proxies and living wills
• Trust administration
• Probate services
• Elder law
• Business succession planning
• Digital asset planning
• Lifetime gifting strategies
• Estate tax planning
• Fiduciary selection guidance

Trusts vs. Wills: What You Need to Know

A will is a public document that goes through probate court before your estate is distributed. A trust is a private arrangement that transfers assets to your beneficiaries without court involvement, often more efficiently and cost-effectively. Our attorneys will help you understand which approach, or which combination, makes sense for your situation.

Estate Tax Planning in Connecticut

Connecticut has its own estate tax with thresholds and rates that differ from the federal system. Proper planning now can significantly reduce the tax burden on your heirs. We stay current on evolving exemption limits and planning strategies, including the 2025 federal estate tax exemption sunset and its impact on Connecticut residents.

Our Service Area

We assist clients with estate planning in East Haven, New Haven, Madison, Norwood, and throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.