What Does Estate Planning Do?
Estate planning extends far beyond the mere distribution of assets upon one's death; it encompasses a comprehensive strategy to ensure personal wishes are respected, financial burdens on loved ones are minimized, and potential legal issues are smoothly navigated.
This is done through wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney, and healthcare directives.
Estate planning offers the means to:
- Appoint guardians for minor children: Ensuring their care by trusted individuals, aligning with your wishes.
- Provide for family members with special needs: Creating trusts to aid them financially without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits.
- Minimize estate taxes and probate costs: Through strategic planning, reducing the financial impact on the estate and maximizing the assets passed on to heirs.
- Establish Powers of Attorney: Designating trusted individuals to manage your affairs should you become unable to do so, covering both financial decisions and healthcare directives.
- Outline healthcare wishes: Making your preferences known regarding life support and treatments in situations where you cannot communicate, via living wills or advance directives.
These facets of estate planning collectively offer security, ensuring that personal and financial matters are handled according to your directives. Comprehensive planning reduces the potential for misunderstandings or disputes among those you leave behind.
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Katie was wonderful to chat with. You can tell she knows her stuff. She was very informative and gave me peace of mind -you can’t put a price on that. Would absolutely recommend her and her team.- Former Client
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Katie and Hannah are absolutely marvelous to chat with and really know their stuff. If someone is infringing on your trademark rights, this is who you want in your corner. Cheers!- Peter Q.
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Katie Charleston was very helpful with all of my business contracts. She would update me on any changes, she is very professional and stays on top of everything. Her clients come first.- Ellen M.
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Katie was so helpful when it came to our family trust. She spent a lot of time with us and never hurried the process. We could not be happier with the service from her and her staff.- Steve M.
Benefits of Estate Planning
Estate planning provides you with many benefits. It ensures your wishes are honored by clearly stating who will inherit your assets and in what manner. It helps protect minors or special needs family members by providing for their future.
Estate planning can significantly reduce taxes, legal costs, and other expenses associated with settling your estate. Proper planning can help your heirs avoid the lengthy and public probate process. Knowing you have a plan can offer you and your loved ones significant peace of mind.
