Estate Planning Guidance
For some, financial planning is primarily focused on how best to build a nest egg and make it last through retirement. But for many, there is a desire to ensure their estate delivers benefits beyond their own retirement and produces a lasting legacy even after they have passed. We provide guidance on intergenerational wealth transfer and collaborate with your estate planning professional to avoid probate and minimize the family trauma that comes from deficient estate plans. If you’re not currently working with an estate attorney, we can introduce you to attorney with whom we have trusted and long-standing relationships.
Why Estate Planning is Important
If you want to leave a lasting legacy, whether it’s for family and loved ones or a charitable institution, then you need to establish a well-thought-out estate plan. Without such a plan, strangers (the State, lawyers or individuals that may not have your interests in mind) could determine how your estate is settled.
If you want to ensure that your estate is handled in accordance with your directives, then having an Estate Plan is paramount.
What We Can Do For You
We can help you concurrently enjoy life now and plan for your family and favorite charities once you’re gone. We will discuss the options and lists of close personal contacts you’ll need to choose as part of a complete estate plan, then use that information to provide succinct and clear direction to your estate attorney. Our Estate Planning guidance includes:
Detailing the importance of trusts and wills.
Your revocable trust and will should be the cornerstones of your Estate Plan. We can help you understand the importance of these documents and how to structure them to ensure that your estate is settled in accordance with your wishes.
Powers of Attorney (POAs) and Health Care Proxies.
In the event of your incapacity or absence, you need a POA to officially delegate responsibility for day-to-day financial matters to a trusted family member or friend. A Health Care Proxy serves a similar function and allows others to make health-care decisions in your best interest in case you are ill or incapacitated.
Choosing Agents and Executors.
The agents of your estate documents wield strong powers that determine how your affairs are managed and how your estate is settled upon your passing. We’ll help you understand the importance of choosing agents for your estate plan and what criteria you should consider when appointing someone to discharge these all-important roles, especially if minor children/guardians are involved.
Designating beneficiaries.
If you don’t choose beneficiaries for your assets carefully (or not at all!), your assets might end up in the hands of individuals that you never intended.
Considering the needs of dependents.
A well-thought-out Estate Plan will ensure that all of the needs of your dependents (be they minors, adult children, siblings, persons with special needs or aging parents) are addressed in accordance with your desires.
Minimizing Estate taxes and reducing probate costs.
Without a well-thought-out Estate Plan, a considerable portion of your estate could go to taxes and attorney fees before your designated beneficiaries see a cent!
US Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.
