Your life, in order
Start with a will
A Will is the foundation of any estate plan. This legally-enforceable document ensures that your children will be cared for by a Guardian of your choosing, and your property is distributed per your wishes. In it, you name a Personal Representative/Executor who will handle the administrative duties of carrying out your instructions. Your Will communicates your wishes to all parties so there are no surprises later.
BENEFITS:
- YOU decide, not the state courts, how your assets and property will be distributed
- Put in writing who you wish to care for your minor children
- State your preferences for your final arrangements
- Choose a trusted person to settle your affairs
- Leave specific gifts to specific heirs
- Exclude certain individuals from receiving your assets
- Give notice of your wishes and intent
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
- Want to keep their estate matters “private” after they pass
- Have blended families, and/or
- Have substantial savings and investments
BENEFITS:
- Legally-enforceable private agreement
- Safeguards assets and allows for distribution in the future
- Can be executed quickly because probate court is avoided
- Stays out of the public record, so opportunities for fraud are reduced
Wills accomplish many of the same goals as Trusts and can be tailored for almost any situation. Our Wills are drafted to include a Testamentary Trust, which is typically used to direct the financial support of minor children.
Creating and funding a Living Revocable Trust is unique, and is typically more involved than creating a Will. A Trust must be created correctly to ensure its validity. If you are a resident of the state of Georgia, contact us to get started drafting your Trust.
Make your healthcare wishes known now - in case you can't later
A key component of your estate plan, an Advance Directive combines your “Living Will” and “Health Care Power of Attorney” into a single document which:
- Details your preferences for life-sustaining medical care: and,
- Appoints a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so
BENEFITS:
- Make healthcare decisions when you’re healthy and able to thoughtfully consider your options
- Choose the level of life-continuing care you wish to receive
- Give your family peace of mind by clearly communicating your end-of-life healthcare wishes
- Help medical providers know how far to extend treatment in an emergency
- Give your Healthcare Agent important access to your medical records
- Ensure that your family, physicians, and treatment facilities are all aware of your preferences
Prepare for today with a financial power of attorney
Your passing isn’t the only reason to need a powerful legal instrument. A Financial Power of Attorney allows you to give a TRUSTED individual the authority to conduct financial transactions on your behalf should you be mentally or physically unable. Whether you’re traveling abroad for an extended period of time, experience a lengthy hospitalization, or become mentally incapacitated, your appointed agent can:
- Pay your bills and make deposits
- Pay your rent or mortgage
- Prepare and file tax returns
- File for government or retirement benefits
- Buy, sell or lease your home
- Handle healthcare billing, and
- Hire financial professionals on your behalf
BENEFITS:
- No interruption in business dealings
- Avoid late payment penalties
- Continue to receive benefit payments
- Viable even if you become mentally incompetent
- Covers the gap of time from when you cannot make decisions for yourself until your death
A Financial Power of Attorney must be completed while you are still able to manage your affairs. A common scenario: Family members wait until a relative is failing or no longer competent to seek to be appointed as attorney-in-fact. Unfortunately, at this point, a court-appointed conservator must be assigned, resulting in extra costs and delays. This important document is not just reassuring; it may become the instrument that protects your financial interests when you can’t.
