Will & Estate Planning

If you'd like to ensure your assets are distributed as you'd like them to be when you die, estate planning is the answer. Successful estate planning transfers your assets to your beneficiaries quickly and with minimal tax consequences.

Estate planning can also assure that family members know how you'd like your financial and medical affairs to be handled if you become incapable of making your own decisions.

The process of estate planning includes taking inventory your assets; talking over important decisions with family members; and establishing a will, living will, power of attorney, durable medical power of attorney and/or a trust.

You should always review your plan in cases of law changes, divorce, death of a spouse, adoption, birth of each child, moving from one state to another, receiving a windfall, getting married or remarried.

Keeping your personal financial statements current along with documentation makes for a smoother process. Beneficiaries will get your surplus of assets once all liabilities are satisfied.

Minimize estate taxes by:

• Giving away assets during your lifetime
  • up to $12,000 per person per year
• Using the marital deduction
• Using trusts
• Making charitable gifts