What is an “Estate”?
Your “estate” consists of all property owned by you at the time of your death. Such property includes Bank Accounts, Stocks, Bonds, Securities, Life Insurance Policies, Real Estate, and personal property, such as jewelry, automobiles and artwork.
How Can an Estate Plan Help?
Regardless of your age, or the size and complexity of your estate, an estate plan is important for everyone.
An estate plan can help you appoint family members and other loved ones to receive your property after your death. It will also ensure that your property will be transferred to those you have identified, as quickly and easily as possible.
Often times an estate plan can help you minimize the amount of taxes that will need to be paid in order for your property to pass to your beneficiaries after your death. In certain circumstances, an estate plan can avoid the time and costs associated with the probate process by utilizing estate planning devices like a revocable living trust. Other estate planning documents can dictate the kinds of life-prolonging medical care you wish to receive should you be incapable to make your wishes known by using a Patient Advocate and Physician Directive.