- Divorce
- Child Custody and Visitation
- GuardianshipIn addition to providing our clients with comprehensive estate planning services, we offer clients our expertise in the areas of Asset Protection, Elder Law, Probate and Trust Administration, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Real Property Law. We have years of experience in our fields of practice. Let us put our experience to work for you when you need the services of an attorney.
- Business DisputesHugh Hathorn, a native of Louisville, in Winston County, Mississippi, graduated with honors from Mississippi State University in 1975 with a degree in Political Science. After receiving his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1978, Mr. Hathorn opened his law office in Louisville. Over the course of 42 years of law practice, Mr. Hathorn has represented both individual and corporate clients in a variety of legal matters. He has a special interest in Chancery Court work involving estates, wills, trusts, probate, guardianship and conservatorship. He has handled estate related matters from the Chancery Court to the Mississippi Supreme Court. His law practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Asset Protection and Elder Law. He also has an active practice in business transactions, corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships and has taught high school courses in Business Law. Mr. Hathorn is a frequent lecturer at estate planning seminars. He is the author of
- Business Transactions
- Limited Liability CompaniesHathorn Law Office believes that clients who work hard to build personal wealth should be able to protect that wealth from the risks of living in a litigious society. Small business owners are often just one lawsuit away from personal bankruptcy. At Hathorn Law Office, we help our clients shield their personal assets and limit their liability from lawsuits using asset protecting trusts, corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships.
- Real Estate Litigation
- Real Estate TransactionsOur 42 years experience in real estate and property law makes Hathorn Law Office the choice of real estate professionals. Our staff is highly trained in handling residential and commercial real estate transactions. We have developed special working relationships with other real estate professionals who can assist our clients in the acquisition and sale of property and timber and obtaining appraisals and surveys. We have assisted clients in the development of planned residential areas, commercial shopping centers and industrial sites. We know that closing the deal is the goal and that diligence and perfection are required. We work hard to meet our clients’ expectations and deadlines.
- Easement
- Land Use and Zoning
- Estate PlanningEstate and Disability Planning: A Practical Guide. Mr. Hathorn hosts several free estate planning seminars each year and is available to speak to civic, church, senior citizen and other groups upon request.
- WillsWe are often asked about the difference between a Will and a Living Trust and the advantages or disadvantages of these estate planning methods. The most common estate planning tool is a Last Will and Testament. Your Will does not become effective until your death, so in order to carry out the terms of your Will, it has to be admitted to probate in the Chancery Court. Probate is a time consuming and expensive process carried out under the supervision of the court. The probate process can take months or even years to complete, and your family may be deprived of the benefits of your estate until the process is completed. In addition to your family spending money for court costs and legal fees, court proceedings are a matter of public record so your personal business is open for public inspection when your Will is probated.
- TrustsWhether you need a Will or a Living Trust depends primarily on your personal situation and your estate planning goals. We will be happy to discuss all of your estate planning needs with you and advise you on the best method for you and your family.
- Power of AttorneyEvery estate plan should begin with a carefully drafted Will or Trust and should include a comprehensive Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive. We recommend that clients consider a Living Trust to avoid the expense, delay and publicity of probate. For clients with large estates, we may recommend a gifting program or specialized trusts to preserve wealth in the family and minimize estate taxes.
- Probate
- Bankruptcy
- Tax Law