Wills and Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is one of the most important steps any person can take to make sure that their final property and health care wishes are honored, and that loved ones are provided for in their absence. An estate plan may consist of documents such as a Trust, Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Designation of Health Care Surrogate. Though often overlooked or put off in favor of more immediate concerns, a comprehensive estate plan can resolve a number of legal questions that arise whenever anyone dies: What is the state of their financial affairs? What real and personal property do they own? Who gets what? Does a personal guardian need to be appointed to care for minor children? How much tax will need to be paid in order to transfer property ownership? What funeral arrangements are appropriate?

What is an “Estate”?

Quite simply, your “estate” consists of all property owned by you at the time of your death, including:

Real estate
Bank accounts
Stocks and other securities,
Life insurance policies,
Personal property such as automobiles, jewelry, and artwork.

How Can an Estate Plan Help?

Regardless of your age, or the size and complexity of your estate, an estate plan can accomplish the following:

Identify the family members and other loved ones that you wish to receive your property after your death.
Ensure that your property will be transferred to those you have identified, as quickly and with as few legal hurdles as possible.
Minimize the amount of taxes that will need to be paid in order for your property to pass to others after your death.
Avoid the time and costs associated with the probate process by utilizing estate planning devices like living trusts and “payable on death” bank accounts.
Dictate the kinds of life-prolonging medical care you wish to receive should you be unable to make your wishes known when the time comes.
Set forth the kind of funeral arrangements you would like, and how related expenses are to be paid.

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that lets you designate who should receive which of your assets after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for any dependent children. Without a will, the courts decide what happens to your assets and who is responsible for your kids.Dying without a will – known as dying “intestate” – means you have no say over who receives your assets, and can leave your heirs and the court system the complex and costly job of wrangling over who should get what.

What is a Living Will?

A living will is a legal document that allows you to express your wishes to doctors in case you become incapacitated. In a living will, you can outline whether or not you want your life to be artificially prolonged in the event of a devastating illness or injury.A living will is often combined with the designation of a ”health care surrogate,” which allows you to designate someone to make health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

What is a Trust?

Not many people understand what a Trust is and how it differs from a Will. There are many types of Trusts, but the one main benefit of all Trusts is how they will keep your estate out of probate after your death.The main difference between a Trust and a Will is the fact that in a Trust your property won’t go through probate when you die. During probate much of the estate can taken by taxes and sometimes attorneys. When you create a Trust you transfer your properties to it while you are still alive, and it continues on beyond your death. Not to oversimplify it, but a will directs the distribution of your assets upon death; and a trust can protect your assets while you are living, and after your death.

Please call us to discuss you individual needs.

Don Gervase

407-287-6767