Everyone, not just the wealthy or elderly, should make an estate plan to protect their assets and loved ones.
No one wants to think about death. Having an estate plan in place helps assure that assets go to the people you choose and helps to minimize the tax burden for your heirs.
An estate plan manages and protects your assets while you are alive and transfers and distributes them upon your death or incapacity. It also can specify who will care for your minor children in the event of your death.
A complete estate plan prepared by Courteous Law includes a will, revocable trust and durable health care and financial powers of attorney.
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:
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.