Making sure your loved ones are taken care of even after you’ve passed isn’t a question. But understanding your options, how they impact your finances, and how to navigate the legal requirements associated with them isn’t so simple.
An estate plan ensures that your assets will be protected and transferred to your designated beneficiary without the burden of financial penalties or legal obstacles. We’ve partnered with an estate planning legal team so you can meet with an attorney at our office for a no-cost initial consultation to discuss your needs, get answers to your questions, and feel confident that your wishes will be carried out when the time comes.
A will is a legally binding document that dictates how your assets will be managed or distributed. All assets distributed through a will must pass through a probate court and are subject to legal fees upon their execution.
A trust functions similarly to a will in that it dictates how to distribute your assets. However, they are not subject to the probate court process or legal fees—your assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries. Because of this, trusts are more expensive to create and maintain.
Simply put, a power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone the authority to act on your behalf in the event that an injury or illness prevents you from managing your own medical care, finances, or property.
As part of your will or trust distribution, you can designate that a portion of your assets is gifted to a charity or organization. Charitable gifts are often exempt from estate and capital gains taxes—which maximizes their impact.
