Basic Estate Planning

EVERYONE NEEDS AN ESTATE PLAN 

All individuals and families, regardless of financial circumstances, will benefit from a carefully thought-out and drafted estate plan. We work with our clients so that they can achieve their goals in providing for their own health care and property management needs in the event of incapacity, and to control the disposition of their assets upon death. We use our experience in administering estates to advise you on what may work well in a particular situation and what may not be as productive for your family or loved ones. You’ve spent years building the value of your business or personal financial assets as well as investing your time in the relationships and organizations that matter most to you – estate planning helps to preserve those.  If you don’t have an estate plan, or your estate plan needs updating, contact us.

THE ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS

While taxes may affect your estate, we start first with your goals and work from there. Every client’s personal, family and economic goals are unique, and our clients come from all circumstances – we advise couples in first marriages, second marriages and beyond, with no kids, minor kids or grown kids. We work with young professionals, retirees, multi-generation families, business owners, and real property owners.

ESSENTIAL ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS

Everyone is different, but the foundational estate planning documents include:

  • Will
  • Durable Power of Attorney
  • Medical Power of Attorney
  • Directive to Physicians (also known as a Living Will)
  • HIPAA Waiver

OTHER PLANNING DOCUMENTS MAY INCLUDE

  • Declaration of Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children 
  • Revocable Living Trust
  • Review and update title to assets and ensuring correct beneficiary designations are in place