The Avanti Law Group: 3 Tips to Avoid Family Conflicts in Estate Plannin

Whether you are creating an estate plan for the first time or making changes to one, be aware that how you plan to leave your assets may create tension in your family. Although the potential for conflicts can develop without a Will, different treatment of children or other beneficiaries as part of a well thought out and drafted estate plan can cause animosity among family members.

Family conflicts may develop for many reasons, such as when a loved one chooses to unequally divide their estate, leaves money in trust instead of a lump sum, or disinherits a family member.

North Carolina Estate Planning Conflict Resolution

How can one manage family conflicts in estate planning?

1.     Bring family together. Hold a family meeting that discusses the assets left to each child and family member. This will allow an opportunity for explaining important asset protection decisions and other considerations. These meetings also help to reduce tensions that could build later on should resentment develop between siblings. This is also an ideal time to bring up any existing health issues for which your family may need to plan.

2.     Choose and talk with your executor and agents. Many conflicts can be prevented if your executor and agents have a clear understanding of your wishes. You may have updated your beneficiaries and neglected to inform them or your executor of the changes, which can cause confusion later on. When it comes to decisions for your medical care, who have you granted power of attorney and are they aware of their responsibility?

3.     Use succession tools with an attorney. The types of trusts and business entities you choose to establish will offer different degrees of protection and benefits. For those who own family businesses, the interests of business partners and family heirs may conflict. Structure a business succession plan by working with a North Carolina estate planning attorney. Succession plans help preserve a company’s value for the business owners’ heirs. There are other planning techniques a lawyer can review with you that will greatly reduce the potential for family conflicts so that your assets are available for the family members you designate when they need them.

The Avanti Law Group: Diversity

Avanti Law Group is the largest women-owned and minority-owned firm in West Michigan.
Our commitment to diversity goes beyond ownership; we are equally committed to the development, advancement and retention of our minority professionals. Our attorneys more accurately represent the make-up of the communities where our clients operate, the make-up of their employees and of their client base. Our firm emphasizes in teamwork and collegiality; we value the differences in experience, perspective, and outlook that our legal and no legal staff brings to the firm. We draw upon the strengths of knowledgeable and skilled individuals who represent a variety of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds to the delivery of the highest quality of legal services to individuals, corporations, and public sector entities.

For most, Diversity is a goal. At Avanti Law Group, diversity is a fact. As of April 2011:
· 60% of our attorneys are women
· 30% of our attorneys are minorities

Diversity Efforts

Avanti Law Group is actively involved in community and bar organizations that represent and promote the interests of minorities. We continuously sponsor business events and trade shows that seek to enhance diversity in the professional community.

The Firm’s Diversity Policy

It is the Firm’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without the discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by the law. Our commitment to diversity is an integral part of every facet of our firm including our recruitment, hiring and training efforts as well as the organizations we belong to and programs we sponsor. Avanti Law Group values and celebrates its minority status.

Supplier Diversity

As both a women and minority-owned law firm, Avanti Law Group is committed to promoting diversity through our vendors. We actively seek targeted diverse businesses and provide them with the opportunity to partner with us to provide excellent services to our Firm and our clients. Avanti Law Group Supplier Diversity Program ensures cover that minority and women owned businesses are well represented and have an equal opportunity in our supplier selection process. For additional information on the firm’s diversity initiatives, please contact:

Raquel A. Salas

Diversity Coordinator
600 28th St SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Telephone: (616) 257-6807
Email: rsalas@avantilaw.com

To put our diverse team to work for you, contact us.

Awards & Recognition of the Avanti Law Group

Avanti Law Group, PLLC is a full service law firm providing a full range of interdisciplinary legal services to its clients. Both, the firm and the firm’s attorneys are recognized as leaders not only in the legal profession but also in the communities they serve. The following is a list of some of our awards and recognitions:

2012	Attorney Raquel Salas named as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. March 2012, Grand Rapids, MI.
2011	Avanti Law Group named as the #1 Top Women Owned Law Firm in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. March, 2011, Grand Rapids, MI.
2011	Attorney Robert Anthony Alvarez named Hispanic Person of the Year 2010 by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. March, 2011, Grand Rapids, MI.
2009	Attorney Raquel Salas named as one of West Michigan’s 40 up-and-coming leaders by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, “40 Under 40.” November, 2009, Grand Rapids, MI.
2009	Attorney Raquel Salas received Universidad del Este’s (Puerto Rico) Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding service in the legal field by. May, 2009, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
2009	Attorney Raquel Salas recognized as one of West Michigan’s “Women in Business” by MiBiz.
2007	Attorney Meghan Moore received Bar and Gavel Award for outstanding service to Chicago-Kent, the community and the law profession.

The Avanti Law Group: Bankruptcy and Debt Settlement Services

Too many consumers feel that their debts are overwhelming and there is nothing they can do other than file a bankruptcy. Due to lack of information, many consumers turn prematurely to bankruptcy. We can help you avoid bankruptcy by settling your unsecured debts on your behalf.

We can help you settle some or all of the following:

· Medical bills
· Credit cards
· Department store cards
· Personal loans
· Student loans
· Bounced checks
· And many others

However, there are situations where filing for bankruptcy might be the best option to get a fresh start. If so, Avanti Law Group, we will explain the bankruptcy process and help you understand your rights. We Are A Debt Relief Agency Representing People Filing For Bankruptcy Relief Under The Bankruptcy Code.

Criminal Defense of the Avanti Law Group

Defending Against Misdemeanors and Felonies

If you have been charged with a crime, you need a qualified and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in West Michigan who will fight for you. Avanti attorneys have successfully defended people who have been charged with both misdemeanors and felonies, including high-profile murder cases. No matter what your charges are, we take your defense seriously. And you should, too.

We believe that every client should be treated with respect, care and honesty. We believe that every client is innocent until the prosecution has done its job and proven otherwise. We won’t judge you, and we will use plain English to explain the law, the possible penalties, defenses and case strategy and how your decisions will affect the outcome of your case. You will always know exactly what the prosecutors are up to, what strategies we will use, and how your case is progressing. We use a hard-nosed approach to fighting for your best interests and rights.

If there is a legal defense available in your case, we will find it for you. Our record speaks for itself. No tricks. No lies. Just rock-solid, tough, and effective criminal defense that fights every step of the way to have your charges dropped or reduced to an acceptable outcome. If that can’t be accomplished, we take your case to trial to fight for your rights. It’s your future and we understand how important it is to protect it.

We defend people facing the following charges:

· DUI/DWI
· Traffic tickets and related offenses
· Domestic ciolence, including PPOs
· Assault and battery
· Sex crimes (rape, child molestation, child pornography, prostitution, etc.)
· Theft and embezzlement
· Robbery, burglary
· Tax fraud
· Juvenile crimes (including, juvenile DUI/underage drinking, theft, vandalism, violence and sex crime cases)
· Drug related offenses
· Homicide, murder

The Avanti Law Group: West Michigan Attorneys

Attorneys Protecting Your Rights in the State of Michigan, Throughout the United States, and Internationally

We are a full service litigation firm offering exceptional legal representation to our clients. Our accomplished attorneys represent a diverse clientele of businesses and individuals in a full range of interdisciplinary legal services throughout the State of Michigan, throughout the United States and internationally, including class action litigation, criminal defense, immigration, business law, family law, labor and employment, wage and hour, civil litigation, personal injury and more. Our attorneys are recognized as leaders not only in the legal profession but also in the communities where they live and serve.

We Are Experienced Negotiators and Trial Lawyers

If you have a legal problem, you want a team of experienced and creative attorneys who know how to protect your rights. We take a hard-nosed approach to fighting for you or your business’ best interests and rights. Our knack for finding creative solutions to complex challenges has been the primary strengths of our firm since its founding. We leverage our negotiation and litigation skills to be powerful advocates for our clients in all our varied areas of practices. We vigorously pursue relief for our clients and leave no stone unturned in our effort to achieve the best possible results for each client we serve. If that cannot be accomplished, we take your case to trial to fight for your rights. As experienced negotiators and trial lawyers, we will help you find solutions to your legal challenges.

We Focus on You and We Stand by Your Side Every Step of the Way

At Avanti Law Group we focus on you and your legal issues, not us. We care deeply about the clients we serve and we take the time to get to know you, your problems and legal concerns.

One piece of advice that is frequently passed from lawyer to lawyer is “Do not take your client’s case personally.” To us, this advice is useless. Why? Because if you have come to us for help, you trust us to do everything we can to get you the best possible results, rest assured that we will absolutely take your case personally. We put our own skin in the game and we will stand up for your rights every step of the way.

Avanti attorneys are passionate, committed, focused, empowered, creative, accountable and aggressive. Contact us today to put our winning approach work for you.

Business and Corporate Services of the Avanti Law Group

Operating a business in today’s world leaves your company exposed to a variety of legal risks. Avanti’s business and corporate law services extend from drafting and negotiating the arrangements listed below to counseling clients on virtually any legal issue facing their business. Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your company’s legal needs.

Our attorneys’ experience includes having:

· Assisted in the representation of companies in industries as diverse as publishing, direct marketing, food processing, ready-to-eat food industry, manufacturing, retail, construction, financial services, and real estate, in a variety of business transactions;
· Represented Eastern Floral in the acquisition of Molesta Floral;
· Represented Sustainable Energy Financing in the acquisition of Viability Incentives;
· Represented Sustainable Energy Financing in the acquisition of Viability Africa;
· Represented Tienda Guadalajara in the sale of its assets;
· Represented Lavanderia Jalisco in the sale of its assets;
· Represented Fit Zone for Women Franchise Owner in the closing of its facilities and negotiations with all its creditors;
· Counsel for dozens of Small Businesses, including Women and Minority Owned businesses, in a wide range of corporate and commercial issues including formation, financing, operation, contracts review, collection, expansion and joint ventures.

Our Business and Corporate Services includes:

· Asset Purchase Agreements
· Business Acquisitions
· Business Formation (Corporations, LLC, Non-Profit Organization and more)
· Commercial Leases
· Confidentiality Agreements
· Construction Contracts
· Consultant Contracts
· Employment Agreements
· Formation Documents
· License Agreements
· Joint Venture Agreements
· Nondisclosure Agreements
· Non-compete Agreements
· Office Leases
· Operating Agreements
· Promissory Notes
· Purchase and Sale of Goods Contracts
· Settlement Agreements
· Supplier Agreements