Estate Planning P Plannlanning

Why is Estate Planning Important?

Estate planning is a very useful process that can help you and your family prepare for the future.

What Documents Do I Need in My Estate Planning?

Estate plans come in all different shapes and sizes. They range from a simple will, to multiple trusts and other tax planning tools. Most estate plans will include some combination of the following documents:

• A WILL is a fairly straight forward document that is necessary for any type of estate planning. California law dictates who will receive our property after our death. A will can change that. It allow you to distribute your belongings the way you want. However, your assets will have to go through the probate process before they are distributed.
• A TRUST is the most helpful estate planning document that you can utilize, as it avoids probate and most taxes. It also allows administration after your passing much more quickly and cheaply than probate.
• A HEALTH care directive allows you to name a person (or people) to make medical decisions for you. This is important in the event you are unable to due to illness or incapacity.
• A POWER of attorney is also important if you become ill or incapacitated, or if you are unavailable to take care of your property or finances (e.g. while traveling). The document names an agent (or agents) to act for you in financial situations (e.g. selling property, paying bills or transferring assets).