Estate Planning for Everyone

Without a will, the laws of your state will determine estate distribution. Qualified, experienced legal assistance and proper witnessing should always be sought. Only through a will can you designate your own executor, guardians for minor children, and other fiduciaries.

A living trust funded with specific assets can allow those assets to pass to your heirs outside of probate. It may be a smart step to take in addition to drawing up your will.

The easiest and least expensive estate planning technique for married couples is often taking title to assets as “joint tenants with rights of survivorship.” At the death of one joint owner, such titled property automatically passes to the survivor without having to go through probate.

Life insurance has long been recognized as a relatively inexpensive method for ensuring a surviving spouse will meet key financial obligations without delay. Regular reviews can help ensure you have adequate protection and your plan is up-to-date.

First, analyze your disability insurance coverage. Second, consider granting a durable power of attorney for financial matters and a living will and health care proxy for health matters. These advance directives allow a designated individual to make important decisions on your behalf should you be mentally or physically unable to do so.

Many families subscribe to a limited “need to know” policy between parents and children, especially while children are growing up. However, at some point, all family members should gain some awareness of financial, medical, and estate arrangements that can affect the entire family.