Estate Planning

Our estate planning services include:

Last Will & Testament

A legal document that directs your family and beneficiaries on what to do in the event of your death, a Last Will & Testament outlines your wishes after your pass.

You decide who your beneficiaries will be, how your assets should be distributed, and who will be responsible for the care of your dependents after you pass. Beneficiaries of your Last Will & Testament can be another person, a trust, or a charity.

Benefits of having a Last Will & Testament include:

• Ensures your assets go to the people or organizations you want
• Prevents family conflict and unintentional disinheritance.
• Provides a peaceful transition of assets during a time of grief.
  

Revocable Living Trust

A Revocable Living Trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to a legal trust during your lifetime. You maintain complete control over the assets as the trustee and can revoke the trust while you’re still alive and competent, but once you pass, the beneficiaries named in the trust receive the assets.

Benefits of having a Revocable Living Trust include:

• Avoids probate in the state of residence and states in which property is owned
• Preserves privacy for the family.
• Initiates a quick distribution of assets.
• Controls distributions to loved ones who are minors or suffer from disabilities.
• Provides asset and tax protection for your beneficiaries
• Allows blended families to preserve assets for children from previous marriages/relationships while still allowing assets to be used by the surviving spouse.
  

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or incompetent. These powers are generally very broad. It is of the utmost importance that you appoint a person that you trust. Please consult an attorney before signing any power of attorney.

This designated person manages and is responsible for your various finances such as:

• Mortgage, Rent, or Lease
• Bills (Medical, Utilities, Credit, etc.)
• Bank Accounts
• Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid

By working with a trusted estate planner, a Durable Power of Attorney can help prevent family disputes and ensure your financial and legal matters are handled smoothly and efficiently.

Medical Power of Attorney

A Medical Power of Attorney grants a person of your choice the legal authority to make healthcare and medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or incompetent.

A Medical Power of Attorney prevents family disputes, ensures timely and appropriate medical care, and empowers your chosen agent to advocate for your health needs.

Decisions made by your designated advocate may include any of the following:

• Medication
• Nourishment
• Hydration
• Medical Procedures
  

HIPAA Authorization

A HIPAA Authorization is a legal document that allows healthcare providers to share your protected health information with specified individuals or entities.

When paired with a Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization allows your agent to make informed medical decisions on your behalf, preventing delays in treatment and reducing stress during medical emergencies.

Directive to Physicians

A Directive to Physicians, also known as a Living Will or Advance Directive, outlines your wishes for end-of-life medical treatment in the event you are no longer able to make decisions on your own.

Benefits of a Directive to Physicians include:

• Provides clear instructions for end-of-life medical care.
• Removes the burden of making end-of-life decisions for your loved ones.
• Protects your wishes and ensures they are carried out appropriately.
  

Declaration of Guardian

A Declaration of Guardian allows you to appoint a trusted individual to care for you in the event you are no longer capable of taking care of yourself or your financial affairs.

It allows you to choose someone who will act in your best interest while also disqualifying specific family members from being allowed to act as your guardian.

Kids Protection Plan®

A Kids Protection Plan protects your children in the event you are ever in an accident or incapacitated.

It allows you to name permanent and temporary guardians, ensuring your children are never left in the care of strangers. Instead, they will be placed in the care of someone you’ve chosen – someone your children know, love, and trust.

Appointment of Agent for Remains

An Appointment of Agent for Remains allows you to appoint a person you trust to carry out the final arrangements of your body, including cremation, burial, or funeral.

This legal document ensures your final wishes are respected and removes your loved ones from the burden of deciding what to do with your earthly remains.