Estate Planning Matters: Trusts, Wills, & Beneficiaries
Estate Planning Matters: Trusts, Wills, & Beneficiaries

Proper Estate Planning Includes
- Management of your life
- Management for minor dependents
- Management for special needs dependents
- Management of your assets
- Providing for a spouse and/or child if you are disabled
- Directions to others if you are unable to manage your own assets
- Disposition of assets on death
- Some asset protection

Priorities for Married Couples
- Provide for Mom and Dad while alive and well
- Provide for Mom and Dad (and dependents) in the event of disability
- Take care of a surviving spouse
- Pass assets upon death of a second spouse efficiently
- Control assets for special needs
- Avoid unnecessary probate fees and costs
- Avoid unnecessary estate taxes

Probate
- Time
- Attorney fees
- Court costs
- Publication fees
- Privacy issues
Estate Planning Methods
- Nothing (If you don't have a plan, the state has one for you!)
- Gifts
- Joint Tenancy
- Payable on death, or Transfer on death
- Beneficiary designations
- Powers of attorney
- Health Care Directive (Living Will)
- Wills
- Trusts
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these methods. It's important to evaluate what is best for you! Time to get things in order is while you are mentally able to manage your affairs. Once a tragedy occurs, it may be too late. We encourage all our clients to get their wishes in writing properly. Then, keep it up to date as your life changes.
Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.
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Estate Management Checklist
Is your estate in order? This short quiz may help you assess your overall strategy.
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Four Steps to Valuing an Estate
Determining the value of your estate, or for someone who has passed away, can be a complex undertaking.
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Problems with Probate
Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.
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Download Our Estate Strategies: Critical Elements of an Estate Plan Ebook!
Taking steps to help protect your estate is a financial imperative. Luckily, we're here to help. This ebook outlines the critical elements to consider as you explore your estate strategy.