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Estate Planning

1 in 6 Americans experience a will or trust contest after a loved one dies.

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A will or trust contest is a legal battle over the distribution of an estate. These contests can be costly and time-consuming. Statistics show that more than half of Americans do not have a will.

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This means that their assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not be what they would have wanted.

Estate Planning is for Everyone

Estate planning is important for everyone, not just retirees or the wealthy. While people may think about it more as they age, the reality is that we can’t predict our lifespan, and unexpected events can happen at any age.

 

For families with modest assets, good estate planning can have an even greater impact as the consequences of poor planning can be more detrimental to their financial well-being.

Do You Have An Estate?

Nearly everyone has an estate. Your estate includes everything you own such as your car, home, real estate, bank accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture and personal possessions.

 

When you pass away, you’ll likely want to have control over how your assets are distributed to the people or organizations you care about. To ensure your wishes are followed, it’s important to provide instructions on who should receive your assets, what they should receive and when they should receive it.

 

Estate planning involves making these plans in advance and taking steps to minimize taxes, legal fees and court costs. By planning now, you can make the process easier for your loved ones later.

​Control of Your Legacy = Peace of Mind

Estate planning protects your loved ones, ensures your wishes are honored, and prevents unnecessary legal complications. Here’s how I can help:


1. Protect Yourself & Your Family
•    Manage your financial and medical affairs if you're incapacitated.
•    Ensure income replacement with disability and long-term care insurance.
•    Provide financial security for your family with life insurance.


2. Safeguard Your Loved Ones
•    Seamlessly transfer your business upon retirement, disability, or death.
•    Appoint guardians for minor children and protect their inheritance.
•    Support family members with special needs while preserving their government benefits.
•    Shield loved ones from financial risks, creditors, or divorce.


3. Avoid Costly Mistakes
•    Minimize taxes, legal fees, and court costs.
•    Avoid probate by aligning your assets with a living trust or estate plan.


4. Why Plan Now?
Without an estate plan, the state decides:
•    A court may control your assets and appoint guardians for your children.
•    Intestacy laws might leave your spouse or family financially vulnerable.


Wouldn’t you prefer to decide privately who cares for your family, who inherits your assets, and how your legacy is managed?

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Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward securing your future and protecting your loved ones.

Will vs. Living Trust: What's Best for You?

A will outlines how your assets are distributed after death, but probate is required, which can be time-consuming and costly.

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A living trust takes effect immediately. It helps manage assets during one's lifetime and after death, avoids probate, and saves one's heirs time and money.

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Not sure which is best for you? Schedule a free consultation today and let’s create a plan that fits your needs!

In summary, the main difference between a will and a trust is the timing of when they take effect and how they operate. A will takes effect after you die and must go through probate, while a trust can take effect immediately and can help avoid probate.​

  • Who will care for your underage children?

  • Who gets your home?

  • Who inherits all of your bank accounts?

  • Who will operate and own your business?

  • Can you avoid family arguments over your belongings and keepsakes?

  • Who will make your medical decisions?

  • Who will get your assets?

  • Who decides your healthcare or end-of-life decisions?

  • How will your loved ones avoid probate?

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If you have any questions about the above, I can help you clarify them and take control of your future. Schedule your free consultation today!

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