Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Whether you’re starting your estate plan from scratch or updating existing documents, working with a knowledgeable Dover estate planning attorney can give you clarity and peace of mind.
At Shaheen & Gordon, we guide individuals and families through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential legal tools. We take the time to understand your unique goals and offer tailored strategies that preserve your legacy and minimize potential complications down the road.
Contact Shaheen & Gordon today at (800) 451-1002 to request a trusted Dover estate planning attorney.
Why choose Shaheen & Gordon for your estate planning
When it comes to safeguarding your future, experience and trust matter. At Shaheen & Gordon, our estate planning team brings decades of legal insight and personalized attention to every client we serve. We understand that no two families—or estates—are alike, which is why we provide custom plans designed to meet your unique needs and goals.
Our Dover estate planning attorneys are well-versed in New Hampshire and Maine laws and stay current with evolving regulations that can impact your will, trust, or healthcare directives. From complex estates to straightforward plans, we offer guidance to help you minimize taxes, avoid probate, and protect your assets for the next generation.
Choosing Shaheen & Gordon means partnering with a firm known for compassion, honest communication, and a deep commitment to client success. Let us help you create a solid legal foundation for whatever the future may hold.
What our client say: Highly recommended trusts & estates lawyers
“Everyone was great to work with. Answered all my questions. Made it very simple to get this done. Thank you Chris and Gina. “👍🏻
“We are very pleased with our choice and experience with Shaheen and Gordon. When it came time to need an attorney, it was recommended we contact Attorney Chris Ratte at Shaheen and Gordon, Dover NH office. My call to their office was quickly returned. We had several comprehensive lengthy phone consults and email communications with paralegal Gina Morin. Legal matters can be very complicated to understand. Gina took as much time as we needed to explain and graciously answer our many questions. At our meeting and signing of documents Attorney Ratte also clearly explained documents and fully answered all of
our questions.
I feel well taken care of with all our legal needs. I highly recommend Shaheen and Gordon.”
“After experiencing a sudden loss to our family, Attorney Siracusa Hillman and his team handled the estate and all of our questions in a most compassionate way during a stressful time. I would highly recommend working with them should the need arise.”
Why is estate planning important?
Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it’s a vital step in protecting your loved ones and maintaining control over your assets. Without a plan in place, your estate may be subject to unnecessary delays, expenses, and legal complications.
Protect your loved ones
A well-structured estate plan ensures that your family is cared for and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Bringing up this conversation with your family beforehand can ensure they know that and can feel secure in their protection.
- Appoint guardians for minor children
- Provide financial stability for your spouse and dependents
- Avoid family disputes over inheritance
Minimize legal and financial stress
Proper planning can streamline the legal process and reduce tax burdens on your estate.
- Avoid or reduce probate
- Lower estate and inheritance taxes
- Plan for incapacity with powers of attorney and healthcare directives
Maintain control over your legacy
Working with a Dover estate planning attorney helps ensure your intentions are clear and legally enforceable.
- Decide who receives your assets and when
- Support charitable causes you care about
- Protect family heirlooms, businesses, and property
Estate planning gives you confidence that your future—and your family’s future—is secure, no matter what life brings.
Key documents in an estate plan
A comprehensive estate plan includes more several elements. Each legal document plays a unique role in protecting your interests and ensuring your wishes are followed. Our Dover estate planning attorneys will guide you through every step of preparing the following key documents:
Last will and testament
Your will specifies how your property should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and an executor to oversee your estate.
Trusts
Trusts provide greater control over how and when your assets are passed on. They can help avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and protect assets for beneficiaries. Revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts are two common options we help clients establish.
Durable power of attorney
This document appoints someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you become incapacitated. Without it, your loved ones may need to go through a court process to make decisions on your behalf.
Healthcare directive
A healthcare directive outlines your medical wishes if you are unable to communicate them. It also allows you to appoint a healthcare proxy to make decisions in accordance with your values.
HIPAA authorization
This release form allows your chosen representatives to access your medical information—essential for making informed decisions about your care.
Having these documents in place provides peace of mind and ensures your affairs are handled according to your values and priorities. Shaheen & Gordon is here to help you get every detail right.
Understanding estate taxes
Estate taxes can significantly affect the value of what you pass on to your heirs, making it crucial to plan with them in mind. While New Hampshire does not impose a state estate or inheritance tax, federal estate tax may still apply to larger estates. Proper planning can help reduce or even eliminate this burden.
What is the Federal Estate Tax?
The federal government may tax the value of your estate if it exceeds a certain threshold—adjusted annually for inflation. Without strategic planning, a substantial portion of your assets could be subject to this tax before reaching your beneficiaries.
How estate planning helps
A qualified Dover estate planning attorney can use various tools to minimize your tax exposure, such as:
- Establishing irrevocable trusts
- Gifting assets during your lifetime
- Creating charitable giving strategies
- Using life insurance effectively
By understanding estate tax laws and planning accordingly, you can preserve more of your legacy and ensure it benefits the people and causes you care about most.
Common mistakes to avoid in estate planning
Even with the best intentions, many people make avoidable errors that can create unnecessary stress for their loved ones or even render their estate plan ineffective. Working with a seasoned Dover estate planning attorney can help you steer clear of these pitfalls.
Failing to update your plan
Life changes—marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or the death of a beneficiary—should prompt updates to your estate plan. Outdated documents can lead to unintended outcomes and legal challenges.
Overlooking digital assets
Online accounts, digital photos, cryptocurrencies, and social media profiles often go unaddressed. Without proper planning, access to these assets may be lost or delayed.
Not planning for incapacity
Many people focus solely on what happens after death and forget to plan for possible incapacity. Without a healthcare directive and power of attorney, your family may need to go through court proceedings to manage your care and finances.
Naming only one beneficiary
Listing a single beneficiary without naming backups can lead to complications if that person predeceases you or is unable to serve. Always designate contingent beneficiaries for your accounts and policies.
DIY planning without legal guidance
Online templates and one-size-fits-all solutions often fail to comply with state laws or account for your specific circumstances. Mistakes in language or execution can render documents invalid.
Avoiding these common errors is key to creating a secure, reliable estate plan. Let Shaheen & Gordon help you do it right the first time.
Start planning your future today
Your legacy deserves careful planning, and your loved ones deserve protection from uncertainty. Whether you’re just beginning the process or revisiting an outdated plan, Shaheen & Gordon offers trusted guidance every step of the way. Our experienced Dover estate planning attorneys will help you make informed decisions that reflect your wishes and provide peace of mind for years to come.
Don’t wait to secure your future. Call Shaheen & Gordon today at (800) 451-1002 to request a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have many assets?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just about wealth—it’s about making sure your wishes are followed, your loved ones are cared for, and the right people are in place to make decisions on your behalf if needed.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect after your death and must go through probate, while a trust can take effect during your lifetime and often allows assets to bypass probate entirely. Trusts also offer more control and privacy.
How often should I update my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan every 3–5 years, or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new child, or a significant change in assets.
What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?
Without a valid estate plan, your estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. This could result in outcomes that don’t reflect your wishes and may create complications for your family.
Can I create an estate plan on my own?
While online templates exist, DIY estate plans often overlook critical legal requirements or unique circumstances. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Dover helps ensure your plan is legally sound and tailored to your needs.
