“Estate planning is an important and everlasting gift you can give your family. And setting up a smooth inheritance isn't as hard as you might think.”
Suze Orman
Everyone has an estate. Your estate consists of everything you own – your home‚ real estate‚ furniture‚ personal property‚ vehicles‚ etc. It doesn't matter what stage of life you're in – single‚ married‚ young or old – your family will always need some estate planning.
Estate planning is developing a strategy to manage and control your assets during your life and ensuring that your wishes regarding your assets are carried out upon your death. Regardless of the size of your estate‚ to be effective you must design an estate plan before the need arises. Your estate plan can include designations of agents to make business or medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself‚ designate guardians for your children‚ appoint a personal representative to wind up your affairs upon your death‚ and distribute your assets to the individuals that you intend to have them.
When asked their feelings after completing their estate plans‚ many of our clients tell us they feel “relieved.” Knowing that you have a properly prepared and planned estate will give you and your family piece of mind. Planning your estate is one of the most thoughtful and considerate things you can do for yourself and for those you love.