Protecting your property as you age and making sure that it is distributed according to your wishes after your death is essential. Planning early who will manage your affairs and make your healthcare decisions will make sure that your wishes are followed when you cannot make those decisions. Working with an attorney to prepare a will and, if necessary, guardianship decisions about minor children will protect your family and your estate. There are many different tools to accomplish your goals from wills to Living Trusts to joint ownership.

• Wills - Without a will, the courts may decide how your property will be distributed or who will care for your minor children. Make a will and let your choices be known. Discover what to consider when reviewing your will with your attorney. Learn more.
• Trusts - Do you want to make sure that funds are put aside for your children’s care in case something happens to you? Has your tax advisor suggested a trust to bypass probate or minimize estate taxes? Trusts can be an important part of your estate plan, regardless of the size of your estate. Is a trust the right option for you? Learn more.
• Healthcare Directives and Power of Attorney - A healthcare directive and power of attorney will ensure that you have someone to act in your stead when you cannot. Be sure that your wishes regarding your medical care are respected and that someone you trust can make legal and financial decisions for you. Understand what these documents cover and get information about what your state requires. Learn more.
• Guardianship for Children - None of us want to think about someone else raising our children. But, if you are not there to care for them and have not appointed a guardian, the court will assign someone who may or may not be the person you would prefer. Protect your minor children by designating a guardian and providing a mechanism for financial support. Learn more.
• Making Your Final Arrangements - Making your final arrangements can be a loving gift to those left behind. Preparing a document with your burial wishes not only ensures your wishes are known, but also eases your family’s burden during a difficult time. Let’s explore what should be included. Learn more.
• Master Document - If you were incapacitated or passed away today, would your family know who to call or what to do? Putting together a master document that lists your banking and credit card information, investments, life insurance, and key contacts, such as your lawyer, power of attorney and executor, could be quite helpful to your loved ones. We’ve prepared a checklist to help get you started with your master document. Learn more.