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Estate & Tax Planning — Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills
Brazill Hester’s experienced attorneys and staff are ready to meet all of your Estate & Tax Planning needs.  When it comes to planning for your future as well as for future generations, we provide expert counsel to determine a specifically-tailored plan for you and your loved ones.  This plan could range from a simple will to complex trust arrangements including living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and other documents to help protect and preserve your assets and provide for future generations.

We can also provide all varieties of powers of attorney, advanced health directives such as living wills, and other documents to help you rest easy in knowing that, despite the uncertainties of life, you will always have as much control over your life and your future as humanly possible.

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Estate Administration — Probate Administration, Trust Administration,
Will Contests, Trust Litigation
The attorneys at Brazill Hester recognize that the death of a loved one can be one of the most traumatic as well as burdensome times in an individual’s life.  Between  ascertaining the assets and liabilities of the deceased, winding up his or her affairs,  honoring his or her wishes through a will or trust, and dealing with those who may try to exploit an unfortunate situation for personal gain, our firm can provide you with both the compassionate support and expert legal counsel you need in this trying time.

No matter whether you are an Executor, Personal Representative, or Trustee for a deceased loved one, a bereaved surviving spouse needing to ascertain your property and other rights, or a relative wrongfully deprived of an inheritance, Brazill Hester can provide the  advice and representation you need, and will always do so with the compassion and understanding you deserve. We consistently consider the human side of the law as we provide you with the legal expertise you need. Our goal is to resolve the legal issues in which you are involved, while facilitating the healing process that will take a lifetime.

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Litigation & Appeals — Disputes, court action, and appeals  relating to Business, Commercial Transactions, Contracts, Trademarks, Construction, Employment, Personal Injury, Property Rights, Wills and Trusts
At Brazill Hester, we realize that while, as trial attorneys, we possess the skill and legal acumen required to prosecute and defend lawsuits on behalf of our clients, there is also often a benefit to honest and reasoned assessment of a dispute, negotiation with opposing parties, and having the open mind required to reach agreements that are in the best interests of our clients.  With Brazill Hester, you know that you will receive an optimistic yet candid assessment of your legal position so we can decide together the strategic course that will benefit you the most.  We truly have our clients’ best interests at heart, meaning we will never sell your legal position short and never encourage you into litigation by giving you false impressions about your likelihood of success.

In most cases, we would much rather settle disputes outside of court, in terms beneficial to our clients, because doing so saves our clients the time, money, and anguish sometimes required in litigation, and because oftentimes the parties to a dispute can walk away and continue in business and personal relationships, knowing that each party treated each other fairly.  It is a good feeling to know, especially in these litigious times, that people can still talk out their differences in a mutually agreeable fashion, and our attorneys are dedicated to a combination of civility and certitude necessary to resolve disputes favorably for our clients.

However, we also know that sometimes, if an opposing party is unreasonable or decides to sue you, litigation is the only option to adequately protect your rights and serve your best interests.  If that is determined to be the case, the attorneys at Brazill Hester will spare no effort in aggressively arguing your case, forcefully presenting the evidence and legal arguments in your favor, and holding the opposing party to the standards required by law. We also have the experience needed to effectively pursue appeals at the state and federal level.  With attorneys admitted in state and federal courts in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, and with experience in other jurisdictions, you will be represented by effective civil litigators who will vigorously and passionately advocate for you, and you will be proud of our toughness as well as our civility in working on your behalf.  

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Family Law — Divorce, Child Custody, Support & Visitation, Adoptions & Guardianships, and Pre-Nuptial Agreements
There are very few areas of the law that require more compassion and sensitivity than family law, where every day families and relationships are created and dissolved.  While all family law attorneys focus on the legal aspects of divorces, including property distribution, child custody issues, support issues, visitation issues, and everything else that enters a person’s life upon divorce, Brazill Hester also focuses on the human side of the law, meaning we never lose touch with the fact that legal arguments and evidence are no more important than the healing necessary when families split up, children are uprooted, ownership of treasured property is challenged, and the page turns to a new chapter of life. 

Our attorneys and staff can provide you with the expert counsel as well as the support and understanding you need, and you can rest assured that we will be candid and forthright with you regarding all of your legal options.  We will not bring an issue regarding families and children into court if unnecessary, but if our client’s best interests suggest litigation is unavoidable, we have the skill and compassion to deal with difficult and emotional issues in the most tactful yet effective way possible.

No matter if you are considering a divorce or seeking advice as to modification or enforcement of an existing order of custody, support, or visitation of your children, we can provide the passionate yet sensitive counsel you need.  If you are considering adoption or seeking a guardianship order be placed over a child or adult, we can effectuate those desires.  If you are looking to enter into a pre-nuptial agreement to eliminate the chance of future strife and controversy, we can assess your legal position and provide you the security you need.  Regardless of your specific needs, Brazill Hester attorneys will always put family first.   

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Business & Corporate — Business Formation and Maintenance, Compliance Issues. Transactions, Mergers & Acquisitions
No matter how large or small your business, Brazill Hester can provide the legal services you need to protect your business as well as your personal interests.  Our attorneys will consult with you, listen to your needs and your goals, and give you sound advice about how to meet those needs and achieve those goals.  We can protect your personal finances by setting up for-profit and not-for profit corporations, partnerships, or limited liability companies, depending on your individual situation.

With regard to your existing business entity, there are and will continue to be periodic legal issues with which you may need our expert assistance. From annual reports and other filings with the Secretary of State’s Office to a myriad of employment, sales, and other tax issues, our attorneys have the expertise and experience to keep you in compliance with ever-changing rules and regulations at all levels of government.  You can rest assured with Brazill Hester that all of your business compliance needs are being met, which may be of even more value than the time and effort you save in allowing us to handle these issues for your business.

Business transactions, whether involving the purchase and sale of business assets or businesses themselves, can be at times overwhelmingly burdensome and labor-intensive.  You will be relieved and thankful to know that these complex business transactions are being handled by Brazill Hester’s experienced attorneys, who will constantly  look out for your best interests and vigorously negotiate the best possible terms for you and your business in any transaction in which you are involved.

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Real Estate & Land Use — Residential Sales Agreements, Commercial Leasing, Development, Property Disputes, Land Use Issues, Zoning, Mechanic’s Liens and Eminent Domain
Brazill Hester attorneys possess extensive experience on various land use issues.  We have represented governmental entities in the enforcement of zoning ordinances, enforcement of subdivision control ordinances, and in dealing with encroachments, easement issues, and other matters.  We represent homeowners’ associations and other entities in the business of enforcing restrictive covenants and other recorded documents governing neighborhood standards.  This experience also enables us to effectively represent individual homeowners in dealing with neighbors, contractors, governmental entities and homeowners associations regarding  zoning ordinances, property disputes, restrictive covenants, mechanic’s liens and other related issues. 

Not only can Brazill Hester provide experienced counsel to protect and enforce your property rights, but it can also firmly represent your interests in purchasing or selling a piece of real estate, or negotiating a residential or commercial lease.  In most cases, an individual’s most valuable asset and most important investment is a home or other form of real estate.  Whatever your needs are, our attorneys are ready to listen to your specific desires and ensure your property rights are protected.  

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Contracts — Drafting, review, and negotiation of any agreement, including Purchase Contracts, Leases, Employment Contracts, Non-Competition Agreements, Promissory Notes, Transactional Documents, and more
At Brazill Hester, our experienced attorneys can draft, review, and negotiate any contract or agreement you need, whether the need arises in the business or personal realms of your life.  Oftentimes, the fine print most people fear is the most important part of a contract, and our attorneys can also provide the reasoned and prudent interpretation and advice you need before entering into a contract, the details of which may be difficult to understand.  Our goal in meeting your contract needs is to first ascertain your goals.  Only after we know exactly what you want and expect out of a contract can we provide you what you need. 

Whether you need a buy/sell contract, a lease for real or personal property, a contract of employment, or any other written agreement, Brazill Hester’s skilled draftsmen can structure documents with endless possibilities. 

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Tax Disputes — Internal Revenue Service, State Income Taxes, State Business Sales & Use Tax Assessments, State Inheritance Tax Assessments
At Brazill Hester, we understand the involvement of taxation in so many aspects of modern life as well as the stress and concern generated by tax conflicts with government bodies.  The process can certainly be intimidating, especially given the complexities of our current federal, state, and local tax systems.  Our attorneys will be the first to tell you that you cannot avoid the tax collector, but you can assert your rights in order to ensure that you are taxed fairly.  However, most people are so overwhelmed with complicated tax laws that they are unsure where to start or how to proceed.  That is where Brazill Hester can help.

Our attorneys have experience negotiating and winning settlements for our clients from the IRS and several state taxing agencies.  We know your rights under the Internal Revenue Code, state and federal statutes, and the U.S. Constitution.  With a Brazill Hester attorney by your side, you will be armed with that knowledge as well, leveling the playing field in your tax disputes with government.