What Should I Have in My Estate Plan?

When it comes to estate planning, there are a lot of questions that come up. What should be included in an estate plan? What is the difference between a will and a trust? How do powers of attorney work? Below, the team at Martin Attorneys, PA provides an overview of the key elements of an estate plan so that you can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your loved ones.

What is an Estate Plan?

An estate plan is a set of legal documents that dictate what will happen to your estate in the event of your death or incapacitation. The estate plan can include a will, trusts, powers of attorney, and other documents.

Why is an Estate Plan Important?

An estate plan is important because it allows you to control what happens to your estate after you pass or become incapacitated. Without an estate plan, the state will determine how your estate is distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

What are the Different Types of Estate Planning Documents?

The most common types of estate planning documents are wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Wills dictate how your estate will be distributed after you die, trusts can be used to manage assets during your lifetime and after your death, and powers of attorney allow someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

What are the Benefits and Downfalls of a Will?

A will is a legal document that dictates how your assets will be distributed after you pass. A will can be used to estate property, name an executor, and appoint guardians for minor children.

One of the benefits of a will is that it gives you control over what happens to your estate after you die. However, a will must go through probate, a legal process that can be time-consuming and expensive.

What are the Benefits and Downfalls of a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity that can be used to manage assets during your lifetime and after your death. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable and can be used for various purposes, including estate planning, asset protection, and tax planning.

As shared, many types of trusts can be used for estate planning. The most common types of trusts are revocable, irrevocable life insurance, and charitable remainder trusts.

One of the benefits of a trust is that it can avoid probate. However, trusts can be complex to set up and manage. Therefore, they may not be right for everyone.

What are the Benefits and Downfalls of a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Power of attorney can be used for financial, medical, or both. One of the benefits of a power of attorney is that it can help ensure that your affairs are taken care of if you become incapacitated. However, it is important to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, as they will have a great deal of power over your affairs.

How Do I Create an Estate Plan?

You should consult an experienced estate planning attorney to create an estate plan tailored to your needs. The estate planning process can be complex and it is important to have an estate planning attorney to help you navigate it and ensure that your estate plan is created correctly.

The team at Martin Attorneys, PA is ready to help you no matter where you are in the estate planning process. Contact our dedicated attorneys online or by phone so we can start creating a customized plan that best fits your wishes. (479) 888-2039