Estate Planning
Everyone needs some level of estate planning. It is one of the most important and meaningful aspects of your financial plan. If you wish to leave behind a meaningful legacy, be it for loved ones or a charitable institution, you need to put a well-thought-out estate plan in place. Without an established plan, the fate of your estate could be determined by the government, lawyers, or people that don’t have your interests and best wishes in mind.
Having an estate plan is paramount in ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes. Because we get to know your goals, your family dynamic, and your values on a deep level, we can collaborate with you and your attorney so your estate benefits the people and charities you care about most.
What We Can Do For You
- Wills & Trusts: We can help you understand how to structure your Will so your legal team can create a document that reflects how you want your estate disposed of and distributed. We can also help you explore when it makes sense to establish trusts and which kind.
- Creating Powers of Attorney (POA): Whether it’s to manage specific assets, such as investments, accounts, and real estate holdings, or to help others make health care decisions if you are ill or incapacitated, you need a POA in place to ensure your wishes are followed. A well-crafted POA will also smoothen how decisions about your final arrangements, and those related to your estate, are taken care of once you pass.
- Choosing Executors & Trustees: The executor(s) of your estate wield strong powers that determine how your estate is handled upon your passing. We’ll help you understand the importance of choosing an executor(s) for your estate, and what criteria you should consider when appointing someone to handle the disposition of your assets after your passing. Identifying trustees in the event of trust creation is also very important. Trustees play a crucial role in the management of assets to beneficiaries after your passing. Having the right trustee in place can impact the experience the beneficiary has and how the assets within the trust are managed.
- Designating Beneficiaries: If you don’t choose beneficiaries for your assets carefully, your estate assets might end up in the hands of individuals that you never intended should benefit from them. A well-thought-out estate plan ensures the needs of your dependents are taken care of.
- Minimizing Estate Taxes: Taxes, fees, and other levies have the potential to erode a large part of your estate before your beneficiaries see a cent. Careful planning can reduce the impact taxes and fees may have.
- Establishing Guardians: If you have children, you need to legally identify who you wish to take care of them in the event of your passing. If you don't have this in place, the courts will decide for you, which may not be in your child's best interest.
- Distribute your Legacy: We can support you in synchronizing your estate plans and your will, so your assets are distributed in line with your final wishes.
Schedule a meeting with us to see what an estate plan can do for you.
Our firm does not provide legal advice or services. Please consult your legal advisor or an estate planning attorney regarding your specific situation.
