What Is Estate Planning?

Introduction

What Is Estate Planning?

How We Are Different

Our Process

Child Protection Plan

Wills

Trusts

Power of Attorney

Tax Planning

Asset Protection Planning

Maintenance & Education Program

Estate Planning Services

Estate planning involves both planning for the possibility of mental incapacity and planning for death. It is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your wishes regarding your assets and healthcare are honored, and that loved ones are provided for after you are gone. Though often overlooked or even put off, a comprehensive estate plan can answer a number of legal questions that often arise whenever anyone dies.

Through estate planning, you determine:

• how and to whom your assets will be distributed after your death;
  
• how your assets are managed during your lifetime;
  
• who should handle your finances if you become incapacitated;
  
• who will manage your personal care and health care if you become unable to care for yourself;
  
• if your beneficiaries get their inheritance all at once, or in incremental distributions over a period of time;
  
• who will manage your estate after your are gone;
  
• who will care for your minor children; and
  
• how you can save taxes by using estate planning tools.
  

Without estate planning, you risk:

• your estate possibly paying high estate taxes;
  
• court battles over who will care for your minor children;
  
• court battles over who should handle your finances if you become incapacitated;
  
• a judge, who does not know you, your family, or your wishes, using state law to determine who gets your assets;
  
• a judge, who does not know you, your family, or your wishes, determining who will manage your personal care and health care if you become unable to care for yourself;
  
• a judge, who does not know you, your family, or your wishes, determining when and how your beneficiaries get their inheritance; and
  
• a judge, who does not know you, your family, or your wishes, determining who will manage your estate after your are gone.

To learn more about how we can help you, please feel free to explore this website and our blog. Use the "Contact Us" link above to send us any questions you may have or to make an appointment.