COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING

Q: What is estate planning?

A: Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and disposal of a person's assets and property during their lifetime and after death. This typically includes drafting legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Q: Why is estate planning important?

A: Estate planning helps ensure that a person's assets and property are distributed according to their wishes and that their loved ones are taken care of after their death. It can also help minimize taxes and expenses associated with the transfer of assets and property.

Q: What types of legal documents are commonly used in estate planning?

A: Common legal documents used in estate planning include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives.

Q: What is a will?

A: A will is a legal document that specifies how a person's assets and property will be distributed after their death. It also appoints an executor to manage the distribution of assets and property.

Q: What is a trust?

A: A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds and manages assets and property for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. Trusts can be set up for a variety of purposes, including managing assets for children or other beneficiaries who are unable to manage their own affairs.

Q: What is a power of attorney?

A: A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person the authority to make decisions on your behalf. This can include financial decisions, medical decisions, or other types of decisions.

Q: What is an advanced health care directive?

A: An advance health care directive is a legal document that specifies what medical treatments a person would like to receive or not receive in the event that they become incapacitated.

Q: How can I get started with estate planning?

A: The best way to get started with estate planning is to consult with an estate planning attorney. Our law firm specializes in estate planning and can help you understand the process and develop a plan that meets your needs and goals.