If you have not taken the time to plan your estate, you are not alone.
Many people avoid estate planning because they see it as an unpleasant task. Having an estate plan in place will ensure that your property is distributed according to your wishes and that any taxes, fees, and costs (there are always taxes, fees and costs) involved in settling your estate can be minimized. Taking the time to develop a plan puts you in charge of how financial and medical decisions are made if you become incapacitated or die.
Why estate planning is important
You have probably spent a good deal of time building your assets, having good estate plan will help protect them once you no longer are able to. An estate plan allows you to decide how your assets will be handled if you become incapacitated or when pass away. Failure to have an estate plan can leave your family’s property vulnerable. The larger your estate, the more critical it is to plan ahead.
Things to consider if you are unsure having an estate plan:
- How important is it for you to maintain complete control of all your assets during your lifetime?
- How much work are you willing to do now in order to make your loved one’s lives are easier after you’re gone?
- How willing are you to undertake aggressive estate tax strategies?
Benefits on an estate plan
- Your assets are distributed quickly with a minimum of legal hassle.
- Provide support and stability for your surviving spouse/partner, children, or grandchildren.
- Preserve assets for future generations (This is especially important if your estate is large enough to be subject to estate taxes, or if you have children from a previous marriage).
- Ensure that your wishes are carried out if you can no longer manage your affairs.
- Support a favorite charity with a gift of money, securities, or other property.
- Minimize the taxes and expenses that may be incurred in settling your estate.
- Provide sufficient cash to meet the estate’s expenses and avoid the forced sale of assets.
- Protect your privacy. A will becomes public record once your estate is settled. An estate plan can be designed to prevent this invasion of privacy.
- Make certain that your family business will pass intact to your heirs.
- Peace of mind.
Common estate planning questions
Answering a few fundamental questions can help you appreciate the importance of an estate plan and the ways in which it can help protect your assets and ensure your legacy.
- Who will inherit my assets?
How your money is handled after you pass away is as important as how you handle it now. No doubt you have specific ideas about the way you want your assets distributed. Through the use of a will or trust, you can state your wishes in a legally binding way. - Who will help me if I’m incapacitated?
In the event you’re unable to manage your financial affairs, a durable power of attorney lets you name a representative to act in your place, allowing a trusted family member or friend to manage your finances, including paying your bills. - Who makes the tough personal health care decisions if you can’t?
An “Advance Health Care Directive” allows you to give specific instructions about your health care and provides the ability to name a trusted person to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
For more information on how to get start planning your estate contact estate planning attorney, Eric A. Rudolph Esq., at (760) 673-7600. or schedule an estate planning consultation today.
Speak to an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
For more information on how to get start planning your estate contact estate planning attorney, Eric A. Rudolph Esq., at (760) 673-7600. or schedule an estate planning consultation today.