When it comes to protecting your loved ones, preserving your wealth, and ensuring your wishes are honored, nothing is more important than a comprehensive estate plan. At The Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen, we have decades of experience guiding Washington DC residents through every aspect of estate planning — from drafting wills and establishing trusts to creating powers of attorney and advanced directives. Our mission is to give you peace of mind today and security for the future.
Estate planning is about more than distributing your assets — it’s about creating a comprehensive plan that addresses your financial, medical, and personal wishes. For DC residents, this means:
A well-designed estate plan helps you plan for life’s “what-ifs” while making things easier for the people you love during difficult times.
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney gives you more than just documents — it gives you guidance, strategy, and legal protection. Here’s why our clients choose The Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen:
Peace of Mind: Knowing your wishes will be carried out and your loved ones will be protected provides invaluable reassurance.
A Last Will and Testament ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Without a will, state laws determine who inherits your property, which may not reflect your preferences. A will also allows you to:
While a will is essential, it does not bypass probate. To streamline asset distribution and maintain privacy, consider incorporating trusts into your estate plan.
Trusts provide control, flexibility, and privacy while avoiding the delays and costs of probate. Depending on your needs, you might consider:
Trusts can also safeguard assets from divorce, lawsuits, and creditors while ensuring responsible inheritance.
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. There are different types of POAs, each serving a unique purpose:
A properly drafted POA ensures your financial matters are handled without court intervention, protecting your interests during incapacity.
Advance directives ensure your medical preferences are respected if you cannot communicate them yourself. These documents typically include:
By documenting your wishes, you relieve loved ones of difficult decisions and reduce the risk of family disputes.
Advanced estate planning strategies protect assets, minimize taxes, and ensure smooth wealth transfer. Common strategies include:
These strategies can preserve your legacy while ensuring your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit.
While you can write your own will, working with a lawyer ensures it’s legally valid, properly executed, and aligned with DC law.
Your estate will be distributed according to DC intestacy laws, which may not reflect your personal wishes and can create unnecessary family conflict.
Every 3–5 years or after major life changes like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, acquiring significant assets, or moving to DC.
No. Trusts can benefit anyone by avoiding probate, protecting assets, and ensuring controlled distribution of property.
Yes. DC has its own estate tax laws, and a carefully designed plan can help minimize or avoid certain taxes.
Estate planning is not a one-time task. Life events — such as marriage, divorce, new children, or a significant change in assets — should prompt a review of your plan. At The Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen, we work with you to ensure your documents always reflect your current wishes and remain compliant with Washington DC laws.
Ready to protect your family and your future? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Estate Planning Lawyer in Washington DC.
© 2025 Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen | Phone: 202-895-2799
5335 Wisconsin Ave NW #440, Washington, DC 20015