As seen in Smart Money: Estate Planning and your Future

Aside from ensuring that one has enough resources to provide for themself for the rest of their life, most people want to leave their loved ones in the best financial position upon their passing. Better put, most people want to ensure that their estate can pass to their beneficiaries in the quickest, most cost-efficient manner. Although there are many options when it comes to estate planning, one thing is clear; a living trust is the best option to accomplish this goal.

A living trust is a legal document that enables you to hold assets during your lifetime. Although a trust’s primary purpose is to manage your estate for your benefit during your lifetime, even upon your incapacity, a trust will also set forth how your assets will be administered and distributed upon your passing. Importantly, assets that are titled in the name of your trust do not need to go through the probate court process. Instead, the person designated as your successor Trustee can immediately gain access to your trust assets and begin paying final creditors and distributing your estate pursuant to your desires. 

Conversely, a Last Will and Testament is a legal document that only becomes effective upon your death. Although a Will accomplishes the goal of dictating who will be in charge of gathering your assets and distributing them to your designated beneficiaries similarly to a trust, a Will only becomes valid when it is admitted to probate. Probate is the legal process that is required in order for your personal representative to gain access to your assets and ultimately distribute your estate to your beneficiaries.

In Nevada, a typical probate takes approximately 9-12 months. Additional factors, including the sale of real property, can lengthen this time period even more. Aside from the time involved, a probate is much more expensive than a trust administration. For instance, attorneys are entitled to a fee for services rendered in administering a probate estate. The fee associated with such administration is determined by statute based on a percentage value of the size of the decedent’s estate. By way of illustration, an estate with a gross value of $500,000 can result in legal fees, exclusive of costs, in the approximate amount of $13,000 under current laws. Said amount only increases with the value of the decedent’s estate, all of which could have been distributed to your beneficiaries and avoided with a revocable living Trust. Thus, although both a Trust and a Will direct management of your estate upon your passing, they are not created equally when it comes to the impact on your family and/or beneficiaries upon your passing. 

In addition to the time and expense associated with probate, a properly established estate plan can avoid the need for court involvement during your lifetime. Because a trust is effective immediately upon its execution, a trust also provides you protection during periods of incapacity. Instead of requiring your loved ones to obtain a time consuming and expensive guardianship when you are no longer able to make your own decisions, a trust allows your successor trustee to step in and immediately manage your estate without court intervention. When combined with the appropriate powers of attorney for financial and health care decisions, the goal is to never end up in Court.

Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring the financial future of not only yourself, but also your loved ones. Taking the steps to create a living trust now will ensure your wishes are followed without the time and expense being placed on your family later.  The attorneys at Allison MacKenzie, Ltd., are experienced and trained in estate planning.

See the full article on Page 5 of Smart Money here.

Allison MacKenzie is proud to share that Joel W. Locke, Esq., a shareholder with our firm, was sworn into his third 3-year term on the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors on June 12, 2025, during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C.

This significant milestone was made even more memorable as Chief Justice Herndon administered the oath of office, recognizing Joel’s continued commitment to upholding the highest standards in Nevada’s legal profession.

A leader in Nevada’s legal community

Joel has been an integral part of Allison MacKenzie since joining the firm in 2006 and becoming a shareholder in 2012. His practice focuses on government relations, employment law, business law, administrative law, and professional licensing.

Throughout his career, Joel has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service and the advancement of Nevada’s legal system.

Born and raised in Nevada, Joel is passionate about supporting the communities he serves.

He represents a broad spectrum of clients, including local governments, businesses, and individuals, and is known for his approachable, solutions-oriented style.

His work on behalf of clients before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies has helped shape key policies affecting Nevadans.

About the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors

The State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors is the governing body responsible for managing the affairs of the State Bar of Nevada.

Its members oversee important matters, including regulatory functions, programs, and services designed to promote professionalism, ethics, and access to justice within Nevada’s legal system.

Composed of elected lawyers from different districts across the state, the Board ensures that the legal profession in Nevada maintains integrity and accountability.

As a member of the Board, Joel contributes to initiatives that support both attorneys and the communities they serve, including continuing legal education, public protection, and law practice management resources.

A continued commitment

Joel’s reappointment to the Board of Governors is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to Nevada’s legal community and his peers’ trust in his leadership. His service helps guide the profession through evolving challenges while safeguarding the principles of justice, fairness, and public service.

All of us at Allison MacKenzie extend our warmest congratulations to Joel on this remarkable achievement and thank him for his continued contributions to the legal field and to the people of Nevada.

Read the full article in the Northern Nevada Business Weekly here.

Allison MacKenzie is honored to sponsor and participate in Senior Celebration 2025, a cherished annual event that promotes the health, happiness, and independence of seniors throughout northern Nevada.

Senior Celebration will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Casino Fandango in Carson City. This event not only brings together valuable resources and services for seniors and their families but also raises critical funds to assist local seniors facing one-time emergency needs. It’s also free for all attendees!

At Allison MacKenzie, we are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses prepare for the future. During Senior Celebration, our team will be available to provide information and guidance on essential planning topics such as estate planning, wills, and trusts. These important tools not only help ensure that your wishes are honored but also protect your loved ones and your legacy.

Proper estate planning offers peace of mind, safeguards assets, and can help minimize the burden on family members during times of transition. Whether you’re just beginning to think about setting up a will, considering a trust, or looking for ways to manage your estate more effectively, our knowledgeable attorneys are here to assist and answer your questions.

We invite you to stop by our booth at Senior Celebration to meet our team, explore your options, and take an important step toward securing your future.

We look forward to connecting with you at Senior Celebration 2025 and supporting the vibrant community of seniors and families in our region!

Many people question the necessity of an estate plan and often conclude that the size of their estate doesn’t warrant future planning, or even more, that they do not need an estate plan because assets will simply pass to their children when they die.

However, estate planning isn’t only a vehicle available for the wealthy…nor should one assume that their assets will be immediately made available for use or distribution upon their passing. 

Instead, estate planning should be seen as one of the most important tools in your toolbox of what we call life.

See the full article by Kyle Winter in Peak NV here.

Allison MacKenzie announces Keith Ketola has joined the firm as associate attorney.

Ketola will focus on administrative law, appellate litigation, corporate law, family law, land use, litigation, real property, trusts and estates, and water law.

See the full NNBW article here.

Multiple generations of students have attended St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School, which is raising funds for a new facility adjacent to its church property.

Jim Cavilia of Allison MacKenzie, who is involved with the finance committee raising funds for the project, said the existing school continues to operate but has begun to show its age.

“It needs significant and expensive attention to go on,” Cavilia said. “Our choices were, we build a new school or build a new building to keep it going.”

See the full article here.

Congratulations to Ryan Russell, new school board attorney. Russell has been with the firm for 21 years specializing in education, business, administrative, healthcare, litigations and mediation. He currently represents five school districts in Nevada. Read the full article here: https://www.recordcourier.com/news/2025/jan/18/school-board-hires-new-attorney/

George Allison, one of our founding partners, was recognized in this Nevada Appeal feature about Carson Tahoe Health’s incredible 75-year journey. Carson Tahoe Health has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to compassionate care, medical innovation, and enhancing the well-being of residents in Carson City and beyond! See full article here.

We are thrilled to announce that we have earned 2nd place in the 2024 Best in Business Awards! While we are not in it for the trophies, it does mean the world to us here at Allison Mackenzie to receive this recognition from the community. We are honored to serve the wonderful residents of Northern Nevada. 

 The support and recognition from the community mean the world to us as our clients are at the heart of everything we do. To know that we’ve made a positive impact on their businesses and lives is incredibly rewarding. This achievement only motivates us to continue to provide the highest level of service to the Northern Nevada region.

 As we reflect on this achievement, we also look forward to the future. With a focus on client success, a dedicated and talented team, and a deep commitment to the community, we here at Allison MacKenzie are excited to continue our tradition of excellence for many years to come.

To everyone who voted, shared their feedback, and have supported Allison MacKenzie throughout the years — thank you. This award is a reflection of the trust and partnerships we’ve built together.

Allison MacKenzie would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the 2024 Best in Business Award winners. We’re excited to be part of such an incredible community of professionals and look forward to the continued success and growth of Northern Nevada businesses.

We are thrilled to be featured in Northern Nevada Guide, Local & Relocation with a wonderful article highlighting the rich history and incredible accomplishments of Allison MacKenzie Law! Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey! Read the full article here on page 36.