Courteous Law ~ Attorney Deb Bess Urbaitis

Your estate consists of your assets: real estate, business interests, financial investments, bank accounts, vehicles and personal possessions like jewelry and household items. 

With a complete and well-prepared estate plan you can: 

• Designate who will receive your assets and who will handle your affairs
• Assure your surviving spouse is provided for
• Designate who will handle your affairs if you become disabled
• Avoid guardianship if you become incapacitated
• Reduce the burden on those handling your affairs
• Provide the peace of mind that your affairs are in order

A trust is a document that controls the transfer and distribution of your assets upon your death. It is sometimes called a living trust because you create it and legally transfer your assets into it while you are still alive. 

You still own your property after it is transferred and you can do anything you want with it – spend it, sell it or gift it.  Revocable means you can revoke it and make changes to it during your lifetime.

A trust isn’t just for the rich or elderly. It is a gift to the loved ones you leave behind. A revocable trust has the same goals as a will, leaving your property to the beneficiaries of your choice, but with some major differences. A trust is a private document, not public record like a will, and avoids probate and estate taxes.

With a trust, the beneficiaries that you name can receive the property in the trust immediately, without the delays caused by the probate process., or at a time of your choosing. 

Becoming informed about your estate planning options helps you make good decisions. Call 428-3838 to schedule your appointment to discuss the benefits of a revocable trust for your individual circumstances.