Business Details
Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers Albuquerque NM
Finlayson Law Firm PC has been dedicated to providing comprehensive estate planning services in Albuquerque, NM since our founding. Our team of experienced attorneys and legal professionals specializes in crafting customized estate plans that minimize tax exposure and address complex family dynamics. We combine decades of collective experience with a personalized approach to guide clients through probate processes, trust administration, and asset protection strategies.Our practice extends across New Mexico, serving communities including Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, and Roswell. We prioritize client education through clear communication and practical solutions, ensuring our clients' wishes are accurately documented and legally protected. With a focus on proactive planning, we help families avoid future conflicts while maintaining the highest standards of legal ethics and professionalism.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Asset Protection
Probate Law
Business Formation
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined experience in New Mexico estate law
- Our team provides personalized legal solutions tailored to individual family needs
- We use practical teaching methods to simplify complex legal concepts for clients
- Our paralegals bring specialized expertise in estate planning documentation
- We maintain deep local knowledge serving New Mexico communities since 2015
What people say
Guided through planning with clarity
Expertise made trust creation seamless
Compassionate legal guidance
Stress-free family future planning
Peace of mind achieved
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive legal frameworks to protect your assets and document your wishes. We help clients establish wills, trusts, and healthcare directives that ensure smooth asset transfer while minimizing tax implications. Our approach combines legal expertise with personalized guidance to address family-specific considerations and potential future challenges.
Trust Administration
We specialize in creating and managing living trusts that avoid probate while maintaining asset control during incapacity. Our trust administration services ensure proper documentation and compliance with New Mexico laws. We help clients understand trust benefits including privacy protection and streamlined asset distribution to designated beneficiaries.
Probate Law
Our probate services guide clients through the legal process of executing wills and distributing assets. We help navigate court requirements while protecting family interests during estate settlement. We provide representation for both simple and complex probate matters, ensuring compliance with New Mexico's specific legal requirements and timelines.
Asset Protection
We develop customized asset protection strategies that safeguard client resources from potential creditors. Our services include entity formation and retirement account optimization while maintaining legal compliance. We help clients implement protective measures that balance legal requirements with their specific financial circumstances and family needs.
Business Formation
We assist in establishing appropriate business entities that provide liability protection and tax advantages. Our services cover LLC formation, corporate structuring, and S-corporation establishment while explaining each option's implications. We help business owners make informed decisions about entity selection based on their specific operational needs and long-term goals.
People
David A. Finlayson
Founder/Attorney
David A. Finlayson founded Finlayson Law Firm PC, PC with over 20 years of experience in estate planning and probate law. He specializes in creating comprehensive estate solutions while maintaining active bar memberships in New Mexico. David combines legal expertise with practical guidance for clients' unique situations.
Samantha Finlayson Day
Shareholder/Attorney
Samantha Finlayson Day is a second-generation estate planning attorney licensed in New Mexico and Colorado. She brings specialized expertise in intergenerational wealth transfer while maintaining deep roots in New Mexico's legal community. Samantha focuses on creating tailored solutions that address modern family dynamics.
Jennifer Finlayson
Legal Manager
Jennifer Finlayson manages daily operations with over 10 years of experience in legal administration. Her background in insurance and estate planning enables effective client support while maintaining accurate documentation. She plays a key role in ensuring smooth office operations and client communication.
Marilyn Alires Marsh
Senior Paralegal
Marilyn Alires Marsh brings 40 years of estate planning experience to our team. Her expertise in preparing legal documents ensures accuracy and compliance with current regulations. Marilyn's attention to detail and compassionate approach supports both attorneys and clients throughout the planning process.
Hannah Hernandez Traffanstedt
Paralegal
Hannah Hernandez Traffanstedt contributes five years of legal experience with a focus on client support and document preparation. Her background in banking enhances her ability to manage complex financial documentation while maintaining client confidentiality. Hannah graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2020.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every situation varies, but typically includes wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney. We'll help determine your specific needs during consultation.
How does a living trust avoid probate?
A properly funded living trust transfers asset ownership to the trust during your lifetime, allowing direct transfer to beneficiaries without court involvement after your passing.
Can I update my estate plan after it's created?
Yes, we recommend reviewing and updating plans every 3-5 years or after major life events to ensure continued relevance and legal compliance.
What happens if I don't have an estate plan?
Without planning, state laws determine asset distribution. This often results in unintended outcomes, family conflicts, and increased administrative costs for surviving family members.
How do you handle complex family situations?
We specialize in addressing unique family dynamics through customized provisions that protect all parties while maintaining legal enforceability and clear intent documentation.
What areas of New Mexico do you serve?
We serve Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, Roswell, Rio Rancho, and surrounding areas with both in-office and virtual consultation options available.
