What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of making legal and financial arrangements to manage your assets and affairs during your lifetime and distribute your assets upon your death or in the event of your incapacity. The primary goals of estate planning are to:
Ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Minimize taxes and other expenses associated with the transfer of assets.
Appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
Provide for the care and financial support of loved ones, such as minor children or dependents with special needs.
Estate planning typically involves the creation of various legal documents and decisions, including:
Last Will and Testament: A will outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death and may also appoint guardians for minor children.
Living Trust: A trust allows you to transfer ownership of assets to a separate legal entity (the trust) and specifies how those assets should be managed and distributed. Living trusts can help avoid probate and maintain privacy.
Durable Power of Attorney: This document designates someone to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Healthcare Directive (Advance Healthcare Directive): This document outlines your wishes for medical treatment and designates a healthcare agent to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
Beneficiary Designations: These designations specify who will receive the proceeds of your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain financial accounts.
Guardianship: You can name a guardian for minor children or dependents with special needs in your will.
Estate planning is a highly individualized process, and the specific documents and strategies you need will depend on your unique circumstances, assets, and goals. Contact me for a complimentary consultation.