Are You Ready For The Unexpected?
Some people think estate planning is only for affluent individuals and business owners with many investments, large bank accounts and multiple real estate holdings who are looking for ways to shelter their assets from high taxes. The point of estate planning is for anyone over the age of 18 to express more than the distribution of their assets when they die.
An estate plan is a set of legal documents usually including durable powers of attorney documents and living wills in addition to wills and trusts. Some find it emotionally overwhelming to think about their estate plan, but when you turn to Starke Law Offices, LLC, we provide personalized attention so you can prepare for the unexpected.
Ensuring Your Wishes For Health Care Are Followed
You have a right to make your own decisions about your health care, including your wishes for end-of-life medical treatment. But if you cannot speak for yourself due to disability and do not have a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, your family will have to make difficult decisions on your behalf. Not only is this type of decision-making stressful for your family, but it often causes avoidable disputes. Your family may not follow your wishes.
The Difference Between Wills And Trusts
Many people have heard of wills. This important legal document allows you to choose who you want in charge of distributing your assets when you die. Your personal representative or executor of your estate will also handle your final affairs such as paying debts and taxes. A will can be an essential tool for parents of young children. Parents often nominate who they wish to be the guardian of their children under 18 in their will.
Trusts are a bit more complex. Not all estate plans will have trust or even the same type of trust. There are several types of trusts; each can be useful for the person who creates the trust while they are alive and when they die. There can be distinct tax advantages to creating a trust.
We Can Help You Create Or Update Your Estate Plan
If you already have a will or a trust and have recently experienced a significant life event, such as divorce, marriage, the birth of a child or the death of a spouse, now is the time to review your estate plan to ensure it currently meets your needs.
At Starke Law Offices, LLC, we are here to help you through a potentially difficult conversation to achieve peace of mind. Call us at 816-229-9111 or send us an email to arrange for your to discuss your estate plan.