Do I Need an Estate Plan?
June 19, 2022

Estate planning isn’t reserved for the wealthy. The process of estate planning helps you exert control over your life and assets in the event of your death or if you become incapacitated. For this reason, almost everyone should have an estate plan in place.

 

The term estate plan broadly refers to a set of legal documents used to establish your wishes. A will, trust, healthcare power of attorney, and durable power of attorney are some of the most common documents involved, and an experienced Vermont estate planning lawyer can help you determine how to use these tools effectively. The form and complexity of your estate plan depends largely on your unique circumstances. 

 

Three Estate Plan Components To Help Give You Peace of Mind for the Future

 

It can be daunting to think about what will happen if you become incapacitated or when you die. Instead, consider how creating an estate plan can help ease your anxieties about the future. A solid estate plan can help you distribute your assets, provide for your children, and ensure the quality of your future care. Then you can stop worrying about the “what ifs” and focus on enjoying the present, which almost always results in a better quality of life.

 

Distribution of Your Assets

 

You've spent your life building your assets. An estate plan ensures that your property is distributed in the manner you want after your death. Without an estate plan, a court-appointed third party may decide who benefits from your estate.

 

In your will, you choose the person who will administer your estate and how and to whom your assets will be distributed. Alternatively, if you establish a testamentary trust, you can appoint a trustee to manage trust assets according to your specifications for the beneficiary or beneficiaries you choose.

 

Care For Your Minor Children

 

Family relationships can be complex. If you have minor children, you'll want them to be well cared for after your death. But without specifically-laid out plans, family members may have differing ideas about who should care for the children and how they should be provided for.

 

An estate plan helps you make specific, legally-binding arrangements for your kids.

 

When you have children with your spouse, your spouse will usually take responsibility for the children if you die. However, if you are a single, custodial parent of biological or adopted children or have children as part of a blended family, your children's status may become uncertain.

 

As part of your estate plan, you can choose your children's guardian in the event of your death, avoiding the question of who should care for them. You can also provide instructions to the guardian regarding how you want your children to be raised.

 

Care For Yourself

 

A mental or physical disability can render you unable to make decisions. An estate plan details the decisions you've made in advance for the management of your care and affairs if you become incapacitated. Your dignity and quality of life when you are incapacitated will often depend on how well your decision-makers know you and what you want. 

 

Using a healthcare power of attorney, you can empower a person who knows your wishes to communicate with your doctors and make decisions regarding your medical care. With a durable power of attorney, you identify a person who has the authority to legally act on your behalf. In both documents, you determine the breadth of the appointee's authority. Powers of attorney can be appointed to make decisions regarding your health, finances, or both.

 

Contact Deppman Law PLC Today

 

If you have questions on how you can benefit from estate planning or how to start the process, reach out to Deppman Law PLC Today.

Protecting Your Small Business from Legal Disputes Before They Start

December 16, 2025
Running a small business involves balancing opportunity and risk. While disputes can’t always be avoided, many legal problems can be prevented with proactive planning and clear communication. Here are several ways small business owners can reduce legal risk before issues arise. Choose the Right Business Structure The legal structure of your business affects liability, taxes, and operations. Forming the right entity can help protect personal assets and clarify ownership responsibilities from the outset. Use Clear, Written Agreements Handshake deals and informal arrangements often lead to misunderstandings. Well-drafted contracts with customers, vendors, and partners help set expectations and reduce disputes over payment, performance, deliverables, or scope of work. Review Commercial Leases Carefully Commercial leases often contain long-term obligations and hidden costs. Understanding lease terms before signing can prevent costly surprises and future conflicts with landlords. Address Employment Issues Early Clear policies, proper classification of workers, and consistent practices can help prevent disputes with employees or contractors. Early legal guidance can help ensure compliance and reduce exposure. Plan for Disagreements Even healthy businesses encounter conflict. Including dispute resolution provisions in contracts and addressing issues promptly can help resolve problems before they escalate into litigation. Proactive legal planning isn’t about expecting failure—it’s about building a strong foundation that allows your business to operate with confidence and flexibility. Call Deppman Law PLC If you own or are starting a small business and want to reduce legal risk before problems arise, Deppman Law PLC can help. We work with Vermont business owners to put practical safeguards in place and address issues early. Contact Deppman Law PLC to schedule a consultation and protect your business’s future.

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer? Common Situations Where Early Advice Matters

November 17, 2025
People frequently wait to contact a lawyer until a problem feels urgent or unavoidable. By that point, costs may be higher and stress levels are often elevated. In many situations, speaking with a lawyer early can help prevent small issues from becoming much larger ones. Here are some common scenarios where early legal advice can make a meaningful difference. Before Signing a Contract Whether it’s a lease, business agreement, vendor contract, or settlement document, contracts carry long-term consequences. A quick review before signing can help identify unclear terms, unexpected obligations, or risks you may not have noticed. During Major Life Changes Events like marriage, divorce, having children, or buying property often trigger legal considerations. Early guidance can help ensure important steps—such as updating estate plans or addressing property rights—aren’t overlooked. When Starting or Growing a Business Choosing the right business structure, drafting agreements, and understanding liability risks are much easier at the beginning than after problems arise. Early legal planning can protect both personal and business assets. If a Dispute Is Developing If tensions are rising with a tenant, business partner, neighbor, or family member, early advice can help you understand your rights and avoid actions that could escalate the situation or weaken your position. After an Injury or Property Incident Whether you were injured or someone was hurt on your property, early legal input can help preserve important information and guide next steps before statements are made or deadlines are missed. Talking to a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re headed for court. In many cases, it’s about understanding your options, clarifying risks, and making informed decisions before a situation becomes more complicated. Call Deppman Law PLC If you’re facing a legal question or simply wondering whether you should speak with an attorney, Deppman Law PLC is here to help. We offer practical guidance designed to address issues early and thoughtfully. Contact Deppman Law PLC to schedule a consultation and get clear answers before problems grow.