Estate Planning Questions

Do I really need a will if I don’t have many assets?

Yes, a will is not just for people with significant wealth. It lets you decide who inherits your property instead of statutory intestacy laws. It also allows you to choose who will administer your estate and, if you have minor children, who you want as their guardian. Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can help you create a will that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones.

What happens if I die without a will in Connecticut?
If you die without a valid will, Connecticut’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed. This may not reflect your wishes and can create unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses for your loved ones. The Law Offices of Geoffrey T. Einhorn, LLC helps Connecticut families avoid these issues by preparing legally sound estate plans.
Can I write my own will?
While you can create your own will, even small mistakes may make it difficult to enforce or fail to accomplish your goals. Working with an experienced Connecticut estate planning attorney helps ensure your documents are legally valid and tailored to your family’s needs.
What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?

A will directs how your assets are distributed after your death and generally goes through probate.

A trust can manage assets during your lifetime and after your death and may help simplify the transfer of property to your beneficiaries and minimize probate.

Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can help determine whether a will, trust, or combination of both is right for your estate plan.

What is the difference between a Revocable vs. an Irrevocable Trust?

Revocable Trust: can generally be changed or revoked during your lifetime, providing flexibility as circumstances change.

Irrevocable Trust: is typically more difficult to modify but may offer benefits such as asset protection or tax planning in certain situations.

The Law Offices of Geoffrey T. Einhorn, LLC can help you determine which type of trust best meets your goals.

Can a Trust help my family avoid probate?

Yes, but only if it is properly funded. Assets that are transferred into a living trust during your lifetime generally avoid probate and can pass directly to your beneficiaries. However, any assets left outside of the trust may still need to go through probate and pass by a will.

How often should I update my will or trust?

You should review your estate plan every three to five years or whenever you experience a major life event, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a death in the family, or significant financial changes. Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn recommends regular updates to help ensure your documents continue to reflect your wishes.

What estate planning documents should every adult have?

Most adults should have a will, durable power of attorney, advance health directives, appointment of healthcare agent, designation of conservator,  and, depending on their circumstances, a revocable living trust. An estate planning attorney can recommend the documents that best fit your individual needs and goals. The Law Offices of Geoffrey T. Einhorn, LLC can recommend the documents that best fit your personal, family, and financial needs.

Can I change or revoke my will or trust after it is created?

Yes, in most cases. As long as you have the legal capacity to do so, you can revoke or replace a will, and a revocable trust can generally be modified or revoked during your lifetime. Irrevocable trusts are much more limited in changes that can be made. A Connecticut estate planning attorney, such as Connecticut Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn, can help you make updates when your circumstances or goals change.

Personal Injury

What should I do after an accident?

Your health and safety should be your first priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor.

If it is safe to do so, call the police, document the scene with photographs, gather contact and insurance information, and preserve any evidence. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.

Should I give a statement?

You should cooperate with law enforcement and provide an accurate account of what occurred. However, before considering giving a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company, consider speaking with an attorney like Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn.

Insurance companies may use statements to dispute liability or the extent of your injuries. An attorney can advise you regarding your rights before you provide a statement.

Should I speak with the insurance company?

You should promptly notify your own insurance company of the accident as required by your policy. Before discussing your injuries or fault with the other driver's insurance company, it is often beneficial to consult an attorney like Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn.

An experienced attorney like Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help protect your interests throughout the claims process.

What type of evidence should I collect after an accident?
If possible, collect photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, visible injuries, and any other relevant evidence. You should also keep police reports, medical records, medical bills, wage loss information, witness contact information, and correspondence from insurance companies.
What information should I bring to my consultation with Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn?
Bring any documents related to the accident, including police reports, photographs, medical records, insurance information, repair estimates, and correspondence from insurance companies. Do not worry if you do not have everything. Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can often help obtain additional records and information
How much does it cost to hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means there are typically no upfront attorney's fees, and Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn’s fee is paid from any recovery obtained on your behalf. This allows injured individuals to pursue a claim without paying legal fees at the beginning of the case.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique, and there is no simple formula for determining its value. Factors such as the severity of the injury, medical expenses, loss wages, pain and suffering, liability, and available insurance coverage can affect a claim's value. An experienced attorney like Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can evaluate your case and explain the factors that may impact potential compensation.
How long do I have to file a personal Injury Claim?
In Connecticut, the deadline for filing most personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the injury. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. Because important deadlines can vary, it is best to consult with Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn as soon as possible after an accident.
What happens if the person who injured me does not have insurance?
You may still have options for recovering compensation. Many Connecticut automobile insurance policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that may apply in these situations. Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can review the available insurance coverage and help determine the best course of action.
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, hit-and-run accidents, and other negligence-related claims. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your situation.

Real Estate Questions

Do I Need a Real Estate Attorney in Connecticut?
A real estate transaction is often one of the largest financial transactions a person will make. An attorney like Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can help review documents, identify potential issues, and protect your interests throughout the process. Whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, or transferring property, experienced legal guidance can help the transaction proceed smoothly.
How Do Attorneys' Fees Get Paid?
Attorney fees are typically discussed and agreed upon at the beginning of the transaction. In most residential closings, legal fees appear on the closing statement and are paid at closing. We are happy to discuss anticipated fees and closing costs so there are no surprises.
What Is a Title Search?
A title search is a review of public land records to confirm ownership of the property and identify any issues affecting title. The search may reveal mortgages, liens, unpaid taxes, easements, or other matters that should be addressed before closing.
What Is Title Insurance, and Do I Need It?
Title insurance protects against certain title defects that may not be discovered before closing. Unlike other forms of insurance, it protects against covered problems that may already exist but are unknown at the time of purchase. The Law Offices of Geoffrey T. Einhorn, LLC strongly recommends that buyers obtain an owner's title insurance policy. For a relatively small one-time cost, it can provide valuable protection for one of the largest investments most people will ever make.
What Happens If a Title Problem Is Discovered?
A title issue does not necessarily prevent a closing from occurring. Many title problems can be resolved through corrective documents, affidavits, lien releases, or additional investigation. An experienced real estate attorney like Attorney Geoffrey T. Einhorn can identify the issue, explain its significance, and work toward a resolution so the transaction can move forward.