Many people believe that estate planning is only for people who are particularly wealthy, have elaborate schemes in mind for passing their money to their heirs, or for people who are acutely ill and contemplating their death. This could not be further from the truth!
Estate planning is not “death planning;” it’s “life planning,” and an essential and rewarding process for individuals and families who engage in it.
For many people, estate planning can be a very difficult subject to think about. But, it doesn’t have to be a difficult or laborious process, and I will do all I can to make it as easy as possible for you. Let’s sit down and discuss how I can help guide you and your loved ones towards a comfortable and secure future.
Basic estate planning begins with an evaluation of your assets and a review of any previous estate planning strategies you’ve employed. Here are some questions to answer:
How are your assets titled?
Who are the beneficiaries on your life insurance and retirement benefits?
What college investments have you established for younger generations?
Who will make decisions if you become incapacitated?
Once you’ve collected this estate planning information, you can start to think about your objectives and concerns. Some matters to consider: your income requirements, naming a guardian for your children, the amount of creditor protection you’ll need, and designating beneficiaries.
Being familiar with the proper estate planning tools will help guide you past common obstacles, ensuring your assets pass on to your intended heirs while minimizing state and federal taxes. One of these tools is a will. It dictates how your estate is to be distributed. A trust is another option. Trusts deliver certain assets to a beneficiary with minimal tax interference.
Wills
Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Pet Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Advanced Directive For Health Care
Mental Health Care Directive
Appointment of Representative Re: Disposition of Remains