By Heidi Bittereman
When most people think of estate planning, they think of signing a will or creating a trust. However, estate planning is much more than the distribution of property at your death. Estate planning provides you with the opportunity to choose the individual(s) you would want to manage your assets during your lifetime if you become unable to manage them for yourself. It also allows you to choose the individual(s) who will make personal health care decisions for you if you become unable to care for yourself. Estate planning can involve financial, tax, medical and business planning. In reality, estate planning is a process designed to help you meet your goals and objectives for your personal and financial needs during life and at death.
Estate planning is essential for all individuals regardless of the size of your estate.Developing a relationship with an estate planning attorney is an important step in achieving a plan that is tailored to address your specific needs and goals. As your life changes, so will your estate plan. Your estate planning attorney can review your plan when you experience important life events, such as the birth of a child, a death in the family, or marital dissolution, to ensure you stay on track.
If you are interested in learning more about estate planning, or would like a low-cost consultation to see how estate planning can help address your needs, please contact our office.