Legacy Planning
If you wish to leave behind a meaningful legacy, be it for loved ones or a charitable institution, we believe you need to put a well-thought-out estate plan in place. Without an established plan, the fate of your estate could be determined by the government, lawyers, or people that may not have your interests and best wishes in mind.
Having a legacy plan is paramount in ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes. Together with your estate planning attorney, we can assist in drafting documents and reviewing your situation so your estate benefits the people and charities you care about most.
What We Can Do For You
Will education
We can help you understand how to structure your will so your legal team can create a document that reflects how you want your estate disposed of and distributed. From a simple will to a testamentary will, or joint wills and living wills – our team will help you navigate the complexities of this document so you won’t need to stress over specifics.
Creating Powers of Attorney (POA)
Whether it’s to manage specific assets, such as investments, accounts, and real estate holdings, or to help others make health care decisions if you are ill or incapacitated, consider having a POA in place to ensure your wishes are followed. A well-crafted POA can also smoothen how decisions about your final arrangements, and those related to your estate, are taken care of once you pass.
Choosing executors
The executors of your estate wield strong powers that determine how your estate is handled upon your passing. We’ll help you understand the importance of choosing an executor(s) for your estate, and what criteria you should consider when appointing someone to discharge this all-important role – especially if minor children/guardians are involved.
Designating beneficiaries
If you don’t choose beneficiaries for your assets carefully, your estate assets might end up in the hands of individuals that you never intended should benefit from them. A well-thought-out estate plan helps ensure the needs of your dependents are taken care of.
Minimizing estate taxes and probate fees
Taxes, fees, and other levies have the potential to erode a large part of your estate before your beneficiaries see a cent. Careful planning can minimize the impact taxes and fees may have.
Estate protection
Even after you pass, many of your assets – such as long-term investments and property – will likely need protection and management until they are disposed of and their proceeds are distributed to your beneficiaries. In the absence of an estate plan, your assets will likely not receive the type and level of protection those assets require.
Distribute your legacy
Our professionals can support you in synchronizing your estate plans and your investment accounts, so your assets are distributed in line with your final wishes.
