ESTATE PLANNING
WILLS, TRUSTS, AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY
WILLS AND TRUSTS
People often wonder whether or not they need a will. The fact is that if you haven't prepared a will, the state has prepared one for you. If a person dies without a will, the state will determine who receives his or her estate. If you have children, it is very important to have a will if only for the purpose of determining who would raise your children in the event anything were to happen to you. These are decisions you don't want to leave in the hands of others. Additionally, simple trusts can be set up for assets and life insurance policies to ensure that your loved ones are properly cared for in the event of your death. Wills are also important instruments for leaving valuable property or family heirlooms to the persons of your choice.
LIVING WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY
In addition to having a will, everyone should consider having a "living will" which provides instructions on your wishes for life sustaining procedures. A General Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney are also important instruments that a person should discuss with their attorney so that they can choose who will make critical financial and health decisions for them in the event they become incapacitated. These are decisions that should be made while a person is in a clear state of mind and reasonably healthy. Too often, people wait until a tragedy has occurred before considering these important issues, and by then it often becomes a more lengthy and costly legal procedure.
Our office can assist you in preparing these valuable estate planning documents so that you have the peace of mind that your loved ones are provided for and cared for in accordance with your wishes.
Note: This page is intended to supply general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult an attorney to get specific legal advice regarding your situation.
WILLS AND TRUSTS
People often wonder whether or not they need a will. The fact is that if you haven't prepared a will, the state has prepared one for you. If a person dies without a will, the state will determine who receives his or her estate. If you have children, it is very important to have a will if only for the purpose of determining who would raise your children in the event anything were to happen to you. These are decisions you don't want to leave in the hands of others. Additionally, simple trusts can be set up for assets and life insurance policies to ensure that your loved ones are properly cared for in the event of your death. Wills are also important instruments for leaving valuable property or family heirlooms to the persons of your choice.
LIVING WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY
In addition to having a will, everyone should consider having a "living will" which provides instructions on your wishes for life sustaining procedures. A General Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney are also important instruments that a person should discuss with their attorney so that they can choose who will make critical financial and health decisions for them in the event they become incapacitated. These are decisions that should be made while a person is in a clear state of mind and reasonably healthy. Too often, people wait until a tragedy has occurred before considering these important issues, and by then it often becomes a more lengthy and costly legal procedure.
Our office can assist you in preparing these valuable estate planning documents so that you have the peace of mind that your loved ones are provided for and cared for in accordance with your wishes.
Note: This page is intended to supply general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult an attorney to get specific legal advice regarding your situation.