Estate Planning
You have an estate – it consists of everything you own, such as your home and furnishings, bank accounts, investments, insurance, and other personal possessions. No matter the size of your estate, these statements always hold true:
- You can’t take it with you.
- Having a plan that includes who, what and when will minimize confusion, hassle and taxes.
- Illness, legal battles and the IRS are potential risks to your estate.
With frequently changing estate tax laws, we’ll help protect what you’ve built, and continue to protect what you will accumulate in the future by utilizing insurance, risk management strategies, trusts and estate planning.
There are various elements to an Estate Plan. Here are a few to consider:
- A will lets you specify your wishes, including how you want your property distributed, who will administer your estate and who will care for your minor children.
- A trust holds your assets for the benefit of one or more people (you, your spouse, your children). You will need an attorney's assistance to create a trust.
- Life insurance proceeds are paid to a beneficiary at your death.
- Gifts are transfers of property made during your life to family, friends or charity.
- Tax exclusions are available as important estate planning tools. Consult your tax professional for details.