Having an estate plan, whether it is a will or a trust, not only can protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of your passing but can protect you and your assets while you are alive.
The following documents can help protect you in the event of your death or in the event of your incapacitation:
- A Living Trust
- A Last Will & Testament
- A Financial Power of Attorney
- A Health Care Power of Attorney
- Advanced Directives for Care
These documents are critical in determining and directing what will happen to you and your estate when you pass away, or in appointing an individual who will make decisions if you are unable to do so.
These documents can protect you, your spouse, your children, and your assets. If you already have a trust, we can conduct a review of what has been placed in the trust and determine if any changes or updates need to be made based on your life now.
The main reason why many trusts fail is that they are not “funded.” In other words, your assets were never transferred into the trust! If your assets are not transferred into the trust, your trust is not valid, your trust fails, and your entire estate can fall into probate. A fully funded trust helps ensure that your loved ones avoid probate. Probate can cause a loss of 5-10% of your estate’s value.
If you do not have an estate plan or have concerns about your current estate plan, contact Tanis Schultz PLLC today to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney. We will walk you through the process, requirements, and details of each document in your estate plan, tailor your estate plan to your specific wants and needs and ensure that you are completely comfortable with our individualized plan for your future.
Contact our office today at 616-608-7149 to discuss your options.