Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona performs extensive estate planning to help its clients protect their families' financial futures. We prepare wills, trust instruments, powers of attorney and related documents. We are experienced in advising clients regarding probate avoidance and trust law. We handle will and trust disputes and counsel families who face conflicts when a family member dies. We have represented clients regarding the improper pre-death use of powers of attorney for property and have challenged trusts to enable heirs to receive a disbursement of assets on an expedited basis. We also can assist with the special legal problems of the elderly and permanently disabled, including guardianship proceedings and health care decisions.

We have filed actions for accounting, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud against executors and trustees, including "caretakers" and "friends" who have taken advantage of the elderly. As a result of representing clients whose elderly relatives have been victims of fraudulent wills or powers of attorneys obtained from manipulative family members, we also assist with the special legal problems of the elderly and permanently disabled, including guardianship proceedings and health care decisions.

GKWW has a substantial practice in the representation of closely held companies. For these clients, succession estate planning is essential. The failure to plan may lead to the sale of a business, the payment of estate taxes and other obligations. The death of a business leader without a succession plan may also lead to family and business disharmony, resulting in financial and emotional damage. All too often, those who have not availed themselves of these crucial services or who procrastinated in making these tough decisions must not only grapple with the death of a loved one but must also face substantial loss of money and control.