Estate Planning

If any of the following apply to you, then you should consider an estate plan:

• You are 18 or older and have minor children.
• You own a home or property.
• You own a business.
• Your want to reduce Estate Taxes
• You want to change how state law distributes your property.
• You have young children and are concerned who will take care of them I you and the other parent are gone.
• You are divorced with minor children and are concerned about an ex-spouse managing your property after your death.
• You want to select the person(s) who will manage your property during your lifetime, if you are not able.

Estate Planning Documents

Typical estate planning documents are:

• Wills - The document that takes affect upon your death. It directs the distribution of you property. Appoints the persons who you want to take care of you estate and your property after you are gone.
• Business Powers of Attorney - Document that appoints another person to take care of your affairs. It's purpose is to prevent the need for guardianship or conservator proceedings in the event that you are unable to take care of your property.
• Health Care Power of Attorney - A document that designates a person to make health care decisions for you at such time as you are unable. Again, it eliminates the need for costly and timely guardianship proceedings.
• Living Wills - A document that is a directive to you family as to your wishes in the event life supporting machines or tubes are the only things that are keeping you alive.