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Customized Estate Plans For Every Season of Life
Last Will and Testament
Everyone - regardless of the size or value of your estate - needs a Last Will and Testament. This vital document allows you to express your final wishes and distribute assets upon your death. The document also allows you to name the person(s) you wish to administer your Estate (known as an Executor) and nominate permanent Guardians for your minor children.
Without a valid Will, the state in which you reside at the time of death will decide how your Estate is to be handled in accordance with that state’s intestacy laws. Sadly, you will have no control over who receives your assets or permanently cares for your minor children.
Testamentary Trusts for Minors
A special type of Trust created within your Will that provides for your minor child’s health, education, maintenance and support in the event of your death.
Revocable Trusts
Also known as a “Living Trust,” this is a trust created during your lifetime to hold title to your assets. You (or someone you appoint) serves as the Trustee and manages assets transferred to the Revocable Trust in accordance with the Trust Agreement. This type of Trust can be amended or revoked anytime during your lifetime. Upon your death, the Trust is either terminated or becomes irrevocable for the benefit of other beneficiaries.
Financial Power of Attorney
A Financial Power of Attorney is an important legal document that allows you to name one or more persons as your agent to help you handle your financial affairs. Depending on your circumstances, you can give said person(s) complete or limited power to act on your behalf.
Advance Directive for Health Care
Previously called “a Living Will,” this key document allows you to appoint a trusted family member or friend to carry out your chosen treatment decisions in the event that you cannot (or do not want to) make health care decisions for yourself. The document also allows you to nominate a person to be your guardian should one ever be needed.
Pet Planning
There are also estate planning strategies to ensure proper care is provided to furry family members after our deaths. Options include a carefully crafted pet provision in a Will, an animal trust, or inclusion in a detailed legacy letter.
Charitable Giving
If you wish to include charitable giving as part of your estate plan and legacy, there are various estate planning mechanisms that will allow you to do so in a way that is both beneficial to your estate and provides much needed financial support to the nonprofit organizations and causes that are close to your heart.