HIRING A QUALIFIED LAWYER can help you navigate the maze of laws regarding inheritance taxes and property rights.

To save time and money:

*     Organize information about your assets, liabilities and property

*     Bring copies of imprortant documents such as previous wills, life insurance policies, employee benefit accounts, and prenuptial agreements.

*     Ask about the lawyers area of practice, qualifications and expertise.

*     Ask for legal fees up front.

 

Estate Planning Basics

Every American should have:

• Will
• Financial Power of Attorney
• Health Care Directive or Living Will

Only 30% of Americans have written their will, which means that 70% of Americans (by doing nothing) are planning on the laws of the state to determine who will receive their land, possessions, and money when they pass away. IT THAT WHAT YOU WANT? Send an email and get started now.

More Advanced

Some people want to have more control over how their money is spent or they need asset protection. With careful and competent planning your estate planner may draft you one or more of the following documents:

• Trusts (Including Insurance Trusts, Charitable Trusts, Children's Trusts)
• Limited Liability Company or a Corporation (for asset protection, management of family assets, and gifting)

Probate

Probate is the term used for going to court to do the following:

• Appoint a GUARDIAN to care for the personal needs of minors or incapacitated adults;
• Appoint a CONSERVATOR to manage the assets of a minor or incompetent adult; or
• VALIDATE A WILL and APPOINT the EXECUTOR OF AN ESTATE to manage your assets, determine your heirs, and distribute the assets as a part of the overall administration of your assets.

Probate can be EXPENSIVE, cause DELAYS, and is NOT PRIVATE.  Good estate planning can avoid probate.

ESTATE PLANNING IS AN ONGOING PROCESS

So even if your plan is already done: Do you understand what it says? Has it been five years? Did you move from state to state? Have you had another child? Did someone in your family die? Do you have more or different assets? Get started updating your plan now by sending an inquiry.