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The Essential Components
What should be in your estate plan? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Every person's estate plan will be different, depending on their unique circumstances. However, some key elements should be included in every estate plan. This blog post will discuss the most important things to consider when creating your estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
Perhaps the document most often associated with estate planning, a last will and testament outlines your wishes for how your property and assets should be distributed after you die. It can also be used to appoint a guardian for minor children and pets and designate an outside party to carry out your final wishes.
While it's not required by law to have a last will and testament, it's certainly in your best interest to have one. Without a will, Texas law will dictate how to distribute your assets, which may not be in line with your wishes. Additionally, if you have minor children, the court will appoint a guardian without input from you or their other parent.
No matter how simple or complex your estate is, it's important to have a last will and testament in place to carry your wishes out after you're gone. Talk to an attorney or financial advisor about what should be included in your estate plan.
Trust
Trusts are another important component of estate planning and can be used for various purposes. Trusts can be used to manage assets during your lifetime, control how those assets are distributed after your death, and reduce or eliminate taxes on the transfer of those assets.
A trust is a legal relationship in which one person (the trustee) holds legal title to property for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary). The trustee has a fiduciary duty to manage the trust property for the benefit of the beneficiary. The terms of the trust determine the rights and duties of the trustee and beneficiaries.
A trust can be created during your lifetime (a living trust) or at death (a testamentary trust). A living trust is created by transferring the legal title of your property to the trustee. A testamentary trust is created by your will and takes effect at your death.
There are many different types of trusts, and the type of trust you need will depend on your goals and objectives. Some common types of trusts include:
Revocable living trusts
Irrevocable life insurance trusts
Charitable remainder trusts
Charitable lead trusts
Special needs trusts
If you are considering creating a trust, it is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine what type of trust is right for you and to ensure that the trust is properly funded and administered.
Power of Attorney
Powers of attorney allow you to appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This person can be tasked with paying your bills, managing your investments, and even selling your property if necessary.
While it may seem like a lot of responsibility to entrust someone else with, it's important to name someone to this important role if something happens to you and you're unable to make these decisions yourself.
When you're putting together your estate plan, be sure to include a power of attorney and appoint someone you trust to make these decisions on your behalf. It could make all the difference in how smoothly things go if something happens to you.
Work With an Attorney to Create an Estate Plan
You've decided you need an estate plan. Now what? The best way to create an estate plan is to work with an attorney. Here are a few things your attorney will help you with when creating your estate plan:
Identifying Your Goals: What do you want your estate plan to accomplish? Do you want to protect your assets from creditors or provide for a disabled family member? An experienced attorney will help identify all of your goals and make sure they are addressed in your estate plan.
Determining What Documents You Need: A good estate plan will include a last will and testament, durable power of attorney, healthcare directive (also called a living will), and possibly trusts. Your attorney can help determine which documents you need and draft them to ensure they are legally binding.
Creating a Plan for Your Family: One of the most important aspects of an estate plan is creating a plan for your family in the event of your death or incapacity. An experienced attorney can help you create a plan that takes into account all of your family's unique needs.
Addressing Tax Issues: Estate taxes can have a big impact on what your loved ones will receive after you die. An experienced attorney can help you minimize the impact of estate taxes through careful planning.
Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure that your estate plan meets all of your goals and protects your loved ones.
The team at Jeff Gilbert Law Office is ready to help you create an estate plan that meets your needs and the needs of your family. Call us today at (979) 200-6556 or visit us online to get started.