Estate planning is a vital step toward long-term financial security. It is not only about transferring assets after death, it is about creating a thoughtful, legally sound plan that reflects your wishes, protects your loved ones, and preserves the value of your estate. At The Knapp Law Firm, we help individuals and families design customized estate plans that go beyond simple wills. Whether your estate is modest or complex, we are here to help you secure your legacy with clarity and confidence.
For more than two decades, Donald E. Knapp, Jr. has guided clients through important life decisions with plainspoken advice and careful preparation. We listen first, explain your options in clear terms, and draft documents that hold up when it counts. Our team is licensed in multiple jurisdictions and federal courts, which helps families with property or ties across state lines.
Our estate planning work covers the full range of tools needed to protect people and property, with explanations you can trust and steps that fit your goals.
A will provides clear instructions for property distribution and estate oversight. We create enforceable documents tailored to your specific priorities and family circumstances, ensuring your wishes are respected.
Both revocable and irrevocable trusts offer flexible asset management during life and efficient transfers later. They provide privacy benefits and can significantly reduce probate requirements for your beneficiaries.
Financial and durable powers of attorney designate a trusted representative to act on your behalf when needed. We help establish appropriate authority levels with necessary safeguards to protect your interests.
Healthcare directives and living wills clearly document your medical preferences and appoint decision-makers for situations when you cannot communicate. These documents provide critical guidance during difficult circumstances.
Following a loved one's passing, we provide compassionate guidance through probate, including inventory preparation, required notices, and asset distribution, with consistent communication throughout the process.
For business owners, we develop comprehensive plans addressing ownership transfer, voting rights, and operational continuity, ensuring the enterprise you've built continues to thrive according to your vision.
Clients choose our firm for clarity, compassion, and preparation. We avoid jargon, set expectations early, and keep you informed from the first meeting to final signing. Our guidance is tailored to your family structure, assets, and long-term goals.
We begin with a conversation about your family, assets, and wishes. Next, we inventory accounts and property, identify beneficiaries, and map options. We then draft the will, trust, and directives that fit your plan, review them with you in plain language, and finalize with proper execution and storage guidance. We remain available to adjust your plan as life changes.
Yes. An estate plan ensures your property is distributed according to your wishes and provides guidance for health and financial decisions.
Most plans include a will, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. Many families also benefit from a trust.
A will takes effect at death and often requires probate, a trust can manage and transfer assets during life and may help avoid or streamline probate.
Review every three to five years, and after life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth, relocation, or major purchases.
Choose someone organized, trustworthy, and willing to serve. We can help define duties and provide alternates.
Designations on accounts and policies pass outside the will or trust. We align them with your overall plan.
Some assets transfer outside probate through trusts, beneficiary designations, or survivorship titles. We explain options that fit your situation.
Powers of attorney and healthcare directives allow trusted decision makers to act, reducing court involvement.
Yes. We integrate ownership transfer, voting rights, and leadership plans with your estate documents.
We address online accounts, photos, domains, and cryptocurrencies with lawful access instructions.
We serve clients across Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, and we are licensed in additional jurisdictions including Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
Many plans are completed within a few weeks, more complex matters may take longer based on information gathering and coordination.
We provide guidance on safe storage and can keep digital copies for your records.
We use strategies to preserve estate value. Your tax professional can coordinate with us on advanced approaches.
We discuss fee options at the outset and provide clear estimates based on the scope of work.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. We will review your goals and outline next steps.
You don’t have to take time off work or arrange childcare to get legal advice. We offer consultations by phone, Zoom, or FaceTime at times that fit your schedule. Whether you’re across town or across the state, we make it easy to connect. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
