10/02/2020
5 STEPS TO CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN
Establish A Power Of Attorney:
A power of attorney is a legal document that grants another person the ability to make financial or medical decisions for you in the event that you become incapacitated Such decisions may include liquidating investments to pay for medical bills, managing your insurance, and, in the case of a medical power of attorney, making sure you get the medical care and interventions that you want.
Create A Living Will:
Your estate plan certainly provides for the opportunity to do more than disperse your financial assets; it also provides guidance for your loved ones regarding your preferences for end-of-life medical intervention, in case you canβt communicate for yourself.
Make A List Will & Testament:
Your will is a crucial component of your estate plan. This important document serves 2 distinct purposes. First, it outlines who will receive your assets after your death. If you have minor children, it also designates who will be their guardian. Without a will, a judge likely will make both of these determinations. "You probably have a distinct idea of who you want to inherit your assets or raise your children," Arnett says. "But if you don't record your preferences in a will, a judge may make a decision that's far from what you intended."
Consider Creating A Trust:
There's a common misconception that trusts are only for the very wealthy. However, trusts can play an important role in many estate plans. They give you more control as to how assets are distributed and allow you to keep the details of your assets out of the public eye after you die. In addition, trusts also can:
Reduce the taxes owed by your estate and heirs
Protect your assets from creditors and lawsuits
Put conditions on how and when your assets are distributed
Update Your Estate Plan Regularly:
Creating an estate plan is a great accomplishment. But itβs not a plan that should sit around gathering dust. Indeed, you'll likely need to update your plan regularly so that it continues to reflect your wishes and needs, which may change along with your family and finances.
Source: https://sendy.advisoranalyst.com/l/vtaYeBHJ892CtsbKuhg4MB9Q/MLEK3WI4kYeYOiyeeoqZgQ/i5Yz3VKZ2qtwCDF3UpU1Og