Not just a will
Prior to enlisting formal legal counsel it is important that you understand that there is a noticeable difference between building a will and an estate plan. Simply put, an estate plan is a broader plan of action for your assets. A will, on the other hand, dictates where your assets will go after you die, who will be the guardian of your children, etc.
Strategist by your side
It’s common to hear people say wills are for the normal person and estate plans are for the wealthy. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
A will is often part of an estate plan, which covers much more ground. If you’re thinking about writing a will or creating an estate plan, it’s a good idea to speak with us about strategy so we can prepare what information/documentation you need before contacting a lawyer and financial professional.
No matter how large the estate, there are always important bases to cover.
Before you speak with a lawyer...
Our consultant will assist with:
- Determining your intentions that you will provide to your lawyer before drafting your will;
- Strategizing on how you want your assets to be distributed after your death;
- Selecting your power-of-attorney;
- Deciding the best person to have power of attorney to make healthcare decisions on your behalf;
- Selecting beneficiaries on your insurance policies and retirement accounts;
- Strategy on creating trusts;
- Discussions about offsetting taxes on assets that could eventually go to heirs – and what paperwork they will need.
Let's work together
If you only choose to create a will, you could cause headaches for your loved ones down the road. Your estate could go into probate, which can often be an expensive process for those involved. Plus, your assets could end up being subject to hefty taxes. Or worse, if you pass without a will, succession laws will determine how your property is divided.
If you’re starting to think about estate planning, it pays to be prepared.
Let’s work together to align your paperwork to your wishes before hiring pricey formal counsel to draft your legal instruments.
