A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the very wealthy. This is not true. Estate planning can help individuals and families of all income levels reach their planning goals. Below are just a few examples of how good estate planning can help you:

  • Comprehensive Planning
    • A comprehensive estate plan includes not only wills and possibly trusts, but health care proxies, power of attorney documents, and living wills (in the event you cannot make decisions for yourself).
  • Asset protection for you and your chosen beneficiaries
    • Protect yourself and your loved ones from divorce, remarriage, creditors, lawsuits, and predators by minimizing exposure to liabilities that could consume your assets.
  • Planning for your minor children
    • Protect your minor children by leaving assets to them in trust for the purposes you set forth in advance (education, for example) and time the distributions for when it is most appropriate for your child.
  • Special Needs Planning
    • Protect a dependent’s needs-based government assistance while providing them with the little extras that provide for a good quality of life.
  • Planning for Incapacity 
    • Wills are only valid upon death. A good estate plan should also consider if you become physically or mentally incapacitated. Your loved ones can avoid court intervention to appoint somebody to handle your affairs, if planned for in advance of incapacity.
  • Probate Avoidance
    • By putting assets into a Revocable Living Trust, you can avoid the sometimes lengthy and costly probate process and have your affairs handled in a more private manner, avoiding court intervention.
  • Tax Planning
    • Minimize and/or defer current and future transfer and income taxes.
  • Charitable Gifting
    • Provide for your favorite charity and leave a lasting legacy.