Plan Your Estate in Five Steps:
STEP 1: Gather Information About WHAT You Own
The purpose of estate planning is to deliver property to beneficiaries in an organized and efficient manner. Therefore, every estate plan must begin with a comprehensive list of assets. Create your own schedule, or use our on-line Client Worksheet to identify your existing assets.
STEP 2: Decide WHO You Want to Receive Your Property and WHEN
Your beneficiaries may be any persons or organizations in any proportion that you choose. You may also decide to delay the distribution of property for the protection of a beneficiary. For example, parents may appoint a person to manage property for their children until they reach a specified age. Use our on-line Client Worksheet to organize your thoughts.
STEP 3: Choose HOW to Distribute Your Property
This is the most important step of estate planning. We will review your assets and beneficiaries to help you decide how to distribute your assets in the most efficient manner. This step will mean the difference between chaos and confusion for your heirs, or a smooth and orderly transition. Fees for estate planning are an important consideraton, so you may submit a request for an estimate of fees before you meet with us.
STEP 4: Store Your Documents WHERE They Can Be Found
Store your estate planning documents in a secure and accessible location, and tell your family or executor where they are. We also provide long term electronic storage of documents to protect against loss. If necessary, we can deliver an electronic copy of your documents wherever they are needed.
STEP 5: REVIEW Your Estate Plan Annually
Your life changes and so will your estate plan. We will send you annual reminders to review your estate plan.
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