Essentials of a Proper Estate Plan

Having a solid estate plan in place is the only way to make sure your assets are distributed as you wish, and funeral plans are covered.

If you pass away and do not have an estate plan, there will be no direction for how your assets will be distributed. Without that, your family may have to deal with probate court, which quickly eats away at the assets you want them to have. The court may also not distribute your assets the way you want.

In short, a successful estate plan will include provisions allowing your family members to access or control your assets, should you become unable to do so yourself or if you pass away. To make sure you have all your bases covered, your estate plan should have the following: 

A will and/or trust  A will or trust should be one of the main components of every estate plan, even if you don’t have substantial assets.

A will can help you make sure that your assets and property are distributed as you wish. A trust, on the other hand, helps limit estate taxes or legal challenges. But just having a will or trust is not sufficient. You’ll need to make sure the wording is correct and complies with state laws.

Tip: Consider appointing a guardian and a backup guardian for your underage children in your will. If you do not name a guardian, the courts may decide to place your young children with a family member of the court’s choosing.  

Durable power of attorney A durable power of attorney form gives another person the capability to make decisions regarding medical care at the end of life for the person who signs the form. If the person dies, the durable power of attorney also has the power to act on behalf of the deceased for financial reasons.

This document can give the designee the power to transact real estate, enter into financial transactions, and make other legal decisions on your behalf. 

Beneficiary designations This applies to any life insurance or retirement accounts you own. A beneficiary designation is the act of naming the person or persons who will inherit an asset in the event of the account owner’s passing.

Some common examples include life insurance policies and retirement accounts. When the account owner passes away, their assets are then transferred to the beneficiary that they designated and will avoid costly probate. 

Letter of intent A letter of intent is not a legal document. It is a letter to loved ones or an executor of a will. It acts as a message from the deceased and can include an array of information, including how you want issues handled, like funeral arrangements, pet care, who gets which of your personal belongings, and more.

Health care power of attorney This document designates another person (usually a spouse or family member) to make important health care decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity.

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