Planning for Everyone You Love and Everything You Have
What would happen to your loved ones, your assets, and your wishes if something unexpected happened to you? If your estate plan is outdated—or if you don’t have one at all —your assets could be tied up in court, lost to the State Department of Unclaimed Property, or distributed in ways you never intended. Without a clear plan, your family may face unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is about more than just wills and trusts. It’s a way to legally ensure that:
- Your children will always be cared for by the people you choose.
- Your assets are passed on according to your wishes, not left to the state to decide.
- Someone you trust can make important medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
- Your family avoids lengthy court battles and unnecessary expenses. A well thought-out estate plan gives you control and your family clarity in times of uncertainty.
We Do Things Differently
Most people think estate planning is just about signing documents, putting them in a binder, and checking it off their to-do list. But traditional estate planning often leaves families unprepared and stuck in a mess when they need help the most.
Have you ever:
- Left a lawyer’s office feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what you just signed?
- Meant to transfer assets into your trust but never got around to it?
- Avoided calling your lawyer because you knew you’d get a bill for every minute?
- Wondered if your plan still works as your family and the law change?
This is the experience most people have—until they realize too late that their estate plan isn’t actually protecting their loved ones.
We designed our firm to serve growing families who want more than just documents—you want a real plan that works.
- Flat fees, no surprises – You’ll always know the cost upfront. No hourly billing, no unexpected charges.
- Ongoing guidance – Life changes, and so should your plan. We check in with you regularly to make sure everything stays up to date.
- Easy communication – Have a quick question? Call us. No waiting days for a response or getting billed for every minute.
- A plan that actually works – We make sure your assets are properly titled and your loved ones know exactly what to do when the time comes.
Your Estate Plan: A Step Toward Peace of Mind
At 49th Estate Planning, we simplify the estate planning process by helping you understand your assets, identify gaps in your current plan, and design a customized strategy to protect your loved ones. We offer solutions like revocable living trusts to avoid probate and minimize taxes. Learn more about how we can guide you through this important process below.
How We Help You Plan for the Future
At 49th Estate Planning, we make the process simple and stress-free. It all starts with a Life & Legacy Planning Session, where we help you:
✔ Get a clear understanding of what you own and how it would be handled if something happened to you.
✔ Identify any gaps or risks in your current plan (or lack of one).
✔ Design a customized estate plan that protects your loved ones and keeps your assets out of unnecessary court processes.
Can You DIY Your Estate Plan?
Many online services offer fill-in-the-blank estate planning, but here’s the problem: most DIY plans don’t work when your family needs them most. They often rely on generic templates that fail to address your unique circumstances, leaving gaps that could result in costly legal battles. While a DIY approach might seem like a quick fix, estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored and your family is protected. A one-size-fits-all solution may not provide the security you think it does.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Estate planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. It eliminates guesswork and legal battles, ensuring that your wishes are honored.
Your plan is about more than just finances—it protects your values, stories, and experiences, passing them down to future generations. With the right plan in place, you gain peace of mind knowing everything will be taken care of when it matters most.
How it Works
Our estate planning process is designed to be simple, transparent, and stress-free, with a flat fee structure so you don’t have to worry about extra charges for quick calls or additional time.
Initial Call & Planning Session
Many clients first connect with us by scheduling a quick 15-minute call with our intake coordinator. It’s a chance to share some basic information and get a feel for how we work. From there, we’ll help you book a 2-hour Planning Session with one of our attorneys—typically scheduled about three weeks out.
Personalized Plan & Design
During your Planning Session, we’ll walk through a detailed inventory of your family, assets, and what matters most to you. Together with your attorney, you’ll design a personalized estate plan that fits your life and goals. Within a week, you’ll receive a clear overview of the design, and about five weeks later, you’ll finalize everything by signing your completed plan.
Trust Funding and Long-Term Care
Once your plan is in place, we’ll help you transfer assets into the trust— easier for you than your kids. After trust funding, we’ll deliver your binder, giving you peace of mind. Plus, you can join our Family Care Program to keep your plan up to date.
Testimonials
“Liz Smith and her team gave us peace of mind that we have our end-of-life plans in place. We were able to accomplish all business virtually and recommend their professional, knowledgeable services to our friends in Southeast Alaska.”
— MM
“Liz and everyone in your office was courteous and great to work with. I would definitely recommend you to anyone considering estate planning.”
— Mike and Laurie Sica
“Liz Smith and her team gave us peace of mind that we have our end-of-life plans in place. We were able to accomplish all business virtually and recommend their professional, knowledgeable services to our friends in Southeast Alaska.”
— B and T Suson
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets after your death or in case you become incapacitated. It includes creating legal documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Do I really need a will or trust?
If you have assets, children, or loved ones you want to protect, a will or trust is essential to ensure your wishes are followed. A trust can help avoid probate and may provide greater control over how your assets are distributed.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death, while a trust allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime, manage them, and avoid the probate process. A trust can also include provisions for asset management if you become incapacitated.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away to ensure their assets are distributed according to their will—or by state law if there’s no will. It typically involves proving the validity of the will, appointing an executor or personal representative, identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what’s left to heirs. In Alaska, probate can be time-consuming and costly if not planned for, which is why many families choose to create a trust to help avoid it altogether.
What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?
How can I protect my family’s future with estate planning?
Estate planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and that your loved ones are cared for. It also provides for guardianship of minor children, and can include healthcare directives and powers of attorney to protect your interests in case of incapacity.
When should I update my estate plan?
It’s important to review and update your estate plan after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets. Regular reviews help ensure your plan reflects your current situation and wishes.
What are the costs of estate planning?
Estate planning costs vary depending on your situation and the type of plan you wish to set up. Our plans provide a comprehensive foundation at a flat-fee that will be agreed upon ahead of time before we get started. Those fees range from 3k-17K+. This includes more than just your foundational legal document like a Will or a Trust. Contact us today to learn more about what our services include.
What is a healthcare directive?
A healthcare directive, also known as a living will, specifies your medical wishes in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions. It may also appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
What is a durable power of attorney?
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs in case you become incapacitated. Unlike a regular power of attorney, a durable one remains effective even if you are unable to make decisions.
Can I change my estate plan later?
Yes, estate plans can be updated or changed as your life circumstances evolve. It’s recommended to review your plan periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your wishes.
Get in Touch
We’re here to help you create a plan that brings peace of mind and protects your loved ones. Whether you’re just starting your estate planning journey or need help refining an existing plan, we’re ready to assist.
If you would like to schedule a call at a time that works for you, click the button below or fill out the form. We’ll get back to you shortly.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (907) 312-5436
Address: Jordan Creek Center
8800 Glacier Hwy, Suite 222
Juneau, AK 99801.
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Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your own individual situation. No attorney-client relationship is intended or formed by viewing this website, downloading and using the contents, forms, tips or information found on this website. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and email. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Client testimonials or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
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