It’s never too early to start estate planning. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have and the easier it will be to make your wishes known. You should have several documents in place, including a Will and Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Beneficiary designation, Letter of Intent, Medical Power of Attorney, and Guardianship Designation.

Without an estate plan, your loved ones could face a lot of red tape and legal challenges after your death. That’s why it’s so important to take the time now to create an estate plan that clearly outlines your wishes for how you want your assets distributed, who you would like to make decisions on your behalf, and more.

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you understand your options and create a plan that meets your unique needs. Estate planning is vital to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone, so don’t delay – start thinking about your estate plan today.

Wills & Trusts

Wills and Trusts are two of the most important aspects of estate planning. They help to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and can also help reduce or avoid taxes on your estate.

Here are a few statistics to consider:

• Nearly 60% of Americans do not have a Will.
• Without a Will or Trust, your assets may be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your wishes.
• A properly drafted and executed Estate Plan can help to minimize taxes on your estate, ensuring that more of your hard-earned money goes to your loved ones rather than the government.

Now is the time if you haven’t yet created an estate plan. Work with an experienced estate planning attorney to create a custom plan that meets your unique needs and ensures that your wishes will be fulfilled after your death.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is the designation of a Durable Power of Attorney. This person will be responsible for making decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself.

The role of the Durable Power of Attorney is to ensure that your wishes are carried out, even if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

Without this designation, your loved ones may have to go through the court system to have someone appointed to make decisions on your behalf, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Make sure to designate a Durable Power of Attorney as part of your estate plan so your loved ones can make decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself.

Beneficiary Designation

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important things you can do is designate beneficiaries for your assets. This includes designating who will receive your property and assets after your death. Beneficiary designations are especially important if you have minor children or are married.

If you don’t designate beneficiaries, your assets will be distributed according to your will or the state laws where you live. But these laws may not align with what you would want for your loved ones, leading to confusion and disputes among them after your death.

Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a legal document that allows you to communicate your wishes for health care and end-of-life decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. This document can be very important, as it can help to avoid disputes between family members about your care. It is typically executed when you are healthy and can make your own decisions.

Medical Power of Attorney (HCPA)

Another critical piece of estate planning is having a Medical Power of Attorney. This document appoints someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself. It’s essential to have a separate POA for medical decisions instead of a financial POA. These two roles are critical, and it’s essential to choose wisely.

It’s important to choose someone who you can trust completely to fulfill these critical roles. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a spouse, adult child, or close friend.

Guardianship Designation

Many people don’t think about guardianship when creating their estate plan, but it can be one of your most important decisions. A guardianship designation is a document that names the person you want to take care of your children (or other dependents) if you cannot do so yourself. It’s essential to name a guardian willing and able to take on this crucial responsibility.

You should also consider having beneficiary designations for any assets you own, such as your retirement account or life insurance policy. These designations precede the terms of your Will, so make sure that your wishes are clearly stated.

Begin Your Estate Planning Now Online!

So if you haven’t yet created an estate plan, now is the time. Work with an experienced estate planning attorney without leaving the house. We serve our customers online. We create a robust and comprehensive plan that meets all of your needs. With an estate plan in place, you can feel confident that your wishes will be carried out after your death and that your loved ones won’t have to deal with the red tape and legal challenges that can arise without one.​