Estate Planning
Estate Planning is the process of developing a plan and preparing documents to conserve, protect and distribute estate assets before and after death for the benefit of loved ones and charities taking into consideration the effect of state and federal tax and administrative laws and regulations. It can also involve planning for the use of your assets for your care if you become unable to manage your affairs during your lifetime.
If you own a house, have some savings, or own any goods such as a car or furniture then you have an estate. Planning for the future will affect the financial security of those you love. If you don't plan for what happens to your estate upon your death, the government may make those decisions for you.
You should have an estate plan if:
- You are the parent of minor or disabled children;
- You want to avoid the public proceedings of a possible guardianship and/or probate;
- You care about your health care treatment; and/or
- You care about who inherits your property.