SBM LAW was founded in 1990 by Robert Braun (retired 1996), Dean Muma, and John Sheppard. In the beginning, SBM LAW was a general law practice in a small-firm setting. We have built a firm that specializes in estate planning and administration as well as personal services for small businesses. It isn't always simple and straightforward to administer an estate. The duties of an executor or administrator can be very demanding. The duties of an Executor or Administrator must adhere to the law, and be in the best interest of the beneficiaries. In the absence of a Will, intestacy laws will determine who the beneficiaries are and the person with the authority to administer the estate. In some cases, a spouse or dependents may make a claim that overrides the administration of the Estate. Executors or administrators are required to assess the legitimacy of such claims and resolve, pay, or defend them for the benefit of beneficiaries. Our team has the necessary experience to administer an estate properly. More than 1,000 estates have been administered by us. We can assist with a variety of difficult issues including complex family issues, claims by dependants, spouses, or other contentious matters. Our team regularly assists in guardianship and the care of the elderly and other people who are incapacitated or unable to take care of themselves. The process of estate administration is very similar and has the same duties and rules. It is important to understand that estate planning involves much more than just making a will. A well-planned estate will ensure your Will is effective and that you achieve your goals. Effective estate planning involves many considerations. This may include your asset type and the way it is held, personal relationships, beneficiary clauses, and any potential income tax liability. We offer a range of estate planning services, including a thorough review of your estate, the preparation of your will, as well as recommendations and other tools that can help you achieve cost-effective and efficient estate planning. A Power of Attorney allows someone else to take care of your finances and personal matters when you're unable to. A Health Care Directive allows you to express clearly your wishes for end-of-life treatment and allow another person (a proxy), to take care of medical decisions and make end-of-life decisions on your behalf if necessary.