Estate Planning Attorney in Las Vegas — Because "I'll Get to It Eventually" Is Not a Plan
Most people know they need an estate plan. Very few have one. If you've been putting it off because you're not sure where to start or what you actually need, that's exactly what I'm here to fix.
What a Complete Nevada Estate Plan Actually Looks Like
Most people think estate planning means writing a will. A will is one piece — and on its own, it's not enough to keep your family out of probate court. A complete estate plan in Nevada typically includes four documents:
Ending a marriage doesn't end the parenting relationship. I help clients establish co-parenting plans that reduce ongoing conflict and give kids the stability they need — and I help enforce those plans when the other party isn't holding up their end.
A revocable living trust — holds your assets and passes them directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement
A pour-over will — catches anything not titled to the trust and directs it accordingly
A durable power of attorney — names someone to manage your finances if you're incapacitated
A healthcare directive and medical power of attorney — documents your wishes and names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can't
Ending a marriage doesn't end the parenting relationship. I help clients establish co-parenting plans that reduce ongoing conflict and give kids the stability they need — and I help enforce those plans when the other party isn't holding up their end.
These four documents together cover most family situations. One meeting, one attorney who already speaks plain English, and you leave with a plan that actually works.
Why a Trust Matters More Than Most People Realize
A will does not avoid probate. It goes through it. Probate is the court-supervised process of validating your will, paying creditors, and distributing your estate — and in Nevada, it can take months and cost your family thousands of dollars before they see a dollar.
A properly drafted and funded revocable living trust bypasses probate entirely. Your assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries, on your timeline, without a judge involved. If you've ever watched a family member navigate probate after a loss, you already know why this matters.
If you'd like to understand what probate involves before deciding how to structure your plan, my probate administration page walks through the process in detail.
Just Went Through a Divorce? Your Estate Plan Needs to Change Too
Divorce doesn't automatically update your estate plan. Your ex-spouse may still be named as your power of attorney. They may still be the beneficiary on your life insurance, your retirement accounts, or your bank accounts. Your will may still leave them everything.
Nevada law removes an ex-spouse from a will after divorce — but it does not automatically update beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, or healthcare proxies. Those require action on your part.
A divorce triggers a full review of every document in your estate plan. I can handle that as a single engagement, and because I handle family law as well, there's a good chance I already know your asset picture. The transition is straightforward.
Why Clients Choose Me for Their Estate Plan
I've been practicing in Nevada since 2006 — I know how the courts here handle estates, and I know what a clean plan looks like
If I handled your divorce, I'm already familiar with your financial picture — updating your estate plan takes less time and less back-and-forth
Estate Planning Questions I Hear All the Time
Do I need an estate plan in Nevada if I don't have a lot of assets?
Yes. Estate planning isn't only about wealth — it's about naming who makes decisions for you if you're incapacitated, who raises your children if something happens to you, and how your belongings transfer without putting your family through court. A basic plan matters at every asset level.
What's the difference between a will and a living trust in Nevada?
A will takes effect at death and must go through probate before your assets can be distributed. A living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them directly to your beneficiaries at death, bypassing probate entirely. For most Nevada families, a trust is the more efficient choice.
How long does it take to put an estate plan in place?
For most clients, the process takes two to three meetings — one to review your situation and goals, one to review the drafted documents, and one to sign. From first consultation to signed plan, most clients are done within a few weeks.
I just got divorced. Do I need to redo my entire estate plan?
You need to review all of it. Nevada law removes your ex from your will automatically, but it does not update your beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, powers of attorney, or healthcare directives. Those changes require action. I can walk through everything in a single engagement and make sure nothing is left pointing in the wrong direction.
Can I handle estate planning and probate avoidance at the same time?
Yes, and it's the most efficient way to approach it. A properly funded living trust is the primary tool for avoiding probate in Nevada. When I draft your trust, I also help you understand how to title your assets correctly so the trust actually does its job — a trust that isn't funded properly won't keep your estate out of court.
Ready to Check This Off Your List?
The hardest part of getting an estate plan is making the appointment. Everything after that is straightforward. I'll explain what you need, why each document matters, and what happens if you don't have one. You'll leave with a plan that reflects your actual life — not a generic template.