Estate Planning

Every person has an estate. The terms “estate” is a fancy way of saying “property” or “assets”. Your estate may be large or small, but it exists. And when you pass away, your property cannot go with you. However, if you take actions now, you can control where and how those assets are distributed.

The team at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Lind work with clients to set up tailored estate plans.

What is estate planning?

  • An estate plan is a series of documents that guide and govern what happens to your property when you pass away.

  • Estate planning is a process of documenting your wishes and considering all of the different scenarios life may present.

  • An estate plan also directs what should happen if you are hospitalized and unable to handle your own affairs.

Why do estate planning?

The most common reasons for estate planning are:

  • To ensure all of the assets you have go to the persons and/or organizations of your choice.

  • To avoid the timely and expensive processes of probate and conservatorships, both of which are court run procedures where the court determines how to resolve your affairs.

  • To avoid family disputes and fights over assets after your death.

What documents are in an estate plan?

Although estate plans vary, most estate plans will include:

  • A Trust Declaration or Agreement;

  • Trust Funding Documents;

  • A Last Will & Testament;

  • A Financial Power of Attorney; and

  • An Advanced Health Care Directive.

Can an estate plan benefit me during my life?

Yes, an estate plan is not just for when you pass away. It can benefit you by:

  • Providing certainty and peace of mind;

  • If you are hospitalized, your estate plan governs:

    • your financial affairs,

    • your health affairs, and

    • your guardians for any minor children.

Is estate planning only for “rich” people?

Estate planning is not just for wealthy folks. Even individuals with few assets benefit from estate planning because:

  • By creating an Advanced Health Care Directive, you can give your family the power to avoid a conservatorship of the person if you are hospitalized or otherwise unable to speak/communicate.

  • By creating an Financial Power of Attorney, you can give your family the power to avoid a conservatorship of the estate if you are hospitalized or otherwise unable to speak/communicate.

  • By creating a will, you can control who gets your property, no matter how or how little you have.