Estate Planning

Estate planning: Planning for your future, planning for your family.

Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself, your health care, your family, and your assets. Estate planning goes far beyond determining the beneficiaries of your estate; it also provides guidance to your family by specifying a chosen successor for your medical and financial decisions in the event of disability or incapacitating illness. Estate planning relieves the burden of these difficult decisions from those closest to you, and is a part of your legacy of care and consideration.

Many people believe that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but estate planning is important for anyone with assets, or anyone who wants to make strategic plans for health care costs as they age. Estate planning includes:

Wills

The central document for your estate plan, determining beneficiaries of your assets as well as care for any children under 18 in the event of your death.

Trusts

Including living trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, contingent family trusts, testamentary trusts and special needs trusts.

Deeds

For the transfer of property ownership.

Medical Assistance/Medicaid Planning

Preparation for your care in later years, including nursing home planning.

Financial Power of Attorney

Empowers someone with the ability to make financial decisions in the event of your disability or “incapacitation”

Health Care Power of Attorney (Living Will)

Appoints someone to make necessary health care decisions if you are unable to do so, and outlines your wishes.

Health Care Directive

Designates a decision maker and your wishes in the event of a terminal condition.

The right time for estate planning.

Obviously, anyone with assets needs to consider making an estate plan. Some people create estate plans simply to determine beneficiaries. Others want to make sure that their assets are there when they need them later in life. Our attorneys understand and respect your priorities, and we work with you to develop a comprehensive estate plan that fully reflects your personal goals and wishes.

It is also time to revisit your estate plan if any life changes have occurred such as property acquisition, death in the family, marriage, or having or adopting a child.

Our staff takes pride in providing experienced estate planning services with personalized care, breaking down the process into understandable and well-considered steps that create an empowered and positive future. Get started today!