An estate plan includes a will but also other documents protecting your family and property while you are alive but incapacitated. It guides your loved ones in handling your financial affairs and medical care.
You may be wondering what the process of creating an estate plan looks like. How long does it take? What information do I need to provide? This short video explains what to expect when working with us.
Wills and probate are related in that a will is part of the probate process, which is the legal process that distributes a person's assets after they die. Probate is the legal process that validates a will, pays debts, and distributes assets to the beneficiaries. The process involves filing the will with the probate court, proving the will's authenticity, and appointing an executor to administer the estate. The executor is usually a family member named in the will.
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to act on your behalf.
A power of attorney states who you choose to act on your behalf when you cannot.
If you don’t create a power of attorney in advance, a friend or family member might have to go to court to have a guardian appointed if you become incapacitated and are no longer able to make decisions for yourself – and that process can be lengthy, expensive, and very public.
There are several types of guardians that you can name when you make a will. If you’re the parent of a minor child or disabled adult, you may want to nominate a guardian for your child in case both you and the other parent pass. Or if you own a pet, you may want to name a caretaker for them.
End-of-life planning is the process of making decisions and getting your affairs in order for when you pass away. It can help relieve the burden on your loved ones by ensuring your wishes are known and carried out.