Estate Planning & Legacy Building

Will

What is a Last Will & Testament?

A last will and testament is a legal document that articulates the final wishes of the testator, or the individual who creates the will. It is a vital component of estate planning that allows you to:

• Specify how your assets and belongings should be allocated after your passing,

• Appoint guardians for minor children or dependents,

• Designate an executor to oversee the estate,

• Make charitable donations or gifts, and

• Provide guidelines for your funeral or memorial service.

In the absence of a valid will, your estate may fall under intestacy laws, which could result in unexpected beneficiaries and family conflicts. Drafting a will guarantees that your hard-earned assets are distributed as per your wishes, offering peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Trust

What is a Living Trust?

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal document, this includes living trusts and other types of trusts that oversee the management of your assets.

A living trust, also known as an inter vivos trust, is a legal arrangement in which a person, referred to as the grantor or settlor, transfers ownership of their assets into a trust during their lifetime. This trust is managed by a trustee, which can be the grantor themselves or another individual or institution, for the benefit of designated beneficiaries.

One of the primary purposes of a living trust is to facilitate asset management and distribution without going through probate, thus ensuring privacy and efficiency. Additionally, a living trust can be revocable, allowing the grantor to modify or dissolve it as needed, or irrevocable, meaning it cannot be changed once established.

Overall, living trusts provide a flexible and effective means of estate planning, helping to ensure that assets are distributed according to the grantor's wishes while minimizing potential legal complications.

Our Estate Planning Services

Estate planning encompasses various documents including:

1. Power of Attorney:
   Documents that empower someone to make decisions on your behalf, whether they are financial, legal, or medical.

2. Health Care Directives:
   Also referred to as living wills, these documents express your preferences regarding medical treatment in case you become incapacitated.

3. Property Deeds:
   Used to transfer property into a trust or as part of estate planning arrangements.

4. Beneficiary Designations:
   For retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and various other assets.

5. Guardianship Agreements:
   Appointing guardians for minor children or dependents.